Mexico National Team captain Edson Álvarez reportedly no longer part of West Ham’s plans for next season

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Manager Graham Potter is reportedly open to selling the Mexican midfielder during the summer transfer window

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Less than a year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Mexico’s national team captain Edson Álvarez is reportedly facing an uncertain future at West Ham United. According to ESPN, new manager Graham Potter does not see the midfielder as part of his plans for the upcoming season, and the club is now open to listening to offers for the 26-year-old.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

After joining West Ham from Ajax for a reported €38 million just two years ago, Edson Álvarez could already be on his way out. The Mexican midfielder, now valued at approximately $29.2 million according to Transfermarkt, has struggled to fully establish himself under Graham Potter, who took over the team in January 2025.

Since Potter's arrival, Álvarez featured in 808 minutes of Premier League action but missed four games due to injury and was left out of the matchday squad on two other occasions.

At the same time, English media reports suggest Potter is planning to lean more heavily on homegrown talent next season. One name gaining traction is academy graduate Freddie Potts - a holding midfielder like Álvarez - who could take on a bigger role. With Tomáš Souček and Guido Rodríguez also potentially heading for the exit, West Ham may be preparing for a significant midfield shakeup.

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WHAT EDSON ÁLVAREZ SAID

Despite the speculation, Álvarez stated earlier this year that he felt happy at West Ham and had no intention of leaving. In an interview with TUDN, he addressed the transfer rumors that had linked him to clubs like Borussia Dortmund:

"As a professional footballer, there’s always noise around you - there are always going to be options and clubs watching. But I’m focused on growing as a player and as a person. I’m a West Ham player, and honestly, I’m really happy here. This club has surprised me in a great way," Álvarez said.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?

West Ham are scheduled to kick off their 2025-26 Premier League season on Saturday, Aug. 16, with a home match against newly promoted Sunderland.