There are two different types of loanees at West Ham United. Ageing, high-earning, big-money signings who struggled to live up to expectations. And youngsters with plenty to learn and potential to fulfil.
Edson Alvarez, Niclas Fullkrug and James Ward-Prowse firmly belong in the former category. Callum Marshall, Kaelan Casey, George Earthy make up the latter.
As the days get longer, the beer gardens start to buzz, and Easter eggs populate the supermarket shelves, decision time is fast approaching for West Ham United’s legion of loanees.
Last chance saloon?
Who would YOU give a fresh start to this summer?
How many of the aforementioned sextet – if any – have a part to play at the London Stadium? And who would be welcomed back with open arms on the terraces?
Some West Ham United fans would take Edson Alvarez back
That was a question Hammers News put to our TalkingPoint users a few days ago. Somewhat surprisingly, Edson Alvarez finished top of the pile, with 36 per cent of you ready to bring the Mexico captain back despite an injury-hit spell at Fenerbahce.
Earthy finishes second with 32 per cent, ahead of Marshall on 15 per cent.
“Alvarez, purely for his experience,” one supporter wrote on our official Facebook page.
“Edson would’ve changed this team,” another says, feeling that Alvarez’s defensive nous in the number six role would have come in very handy during a spell when the Hammers were haemorrhaging goals at a staggering rate.
“Alvarez would be the only one I would take back.”
“Alvarez, I want back.”
Former Ajax ace Alvarez underwent surgery recently to correct a niggling ankle injury. He still hopes to lead Mexico out at the 2026 World Cup though, part of which will be held on home soil. Fenerbahce have a £19 million option-to-buy clause at their disposal.
The Super Lig giants may be in no rush to trigger it, though, with the 28-year-old starting just ten of 28 domestic matches.
James Ward-Prowse likely to follow Guido Rodriguez out the door
The feeling from some at West Ham – well, 36 per cent of our readers anyway – is that Alvarez may still have something to offer. Nuno’s pragmatic approach could shield Alvarez’s weaknesses far better than the Graham Potter approach, a la a veteran Joao Moutinho at Wolves.
“I’d take Alvarez, Earthy and Marshall,” one fan writes, ready to welcome two youngsters back for pre-season. “Unfortunately, although JWP is one of the best set piece specialists, like [Guido] Rodriguez, he’s too slow.”
What would YOU tell George Earthy as he struggles at Bristol City? 🔴 🐦
“Think we will have no choice with Alvarez. He will need game time to be in the shop window again. Earthy and Marshall, I would happily give a go. Nothing to lose, everything to gain. Especially with Earthy as he’s one of our own and, if he comes good, he could spend his entire career with us, like [Mark] Noble.
“JWP; I like him as a person, but he’s two years past being good or fast enough for the Premier League. Take the loss and sell him to a Championship club.”
“Keep three [Alvarez, Marshall and Earthy] and bye bye JWP.”
Mixed fortunes for George Earthy and Callum Marshall
The excitement surrounding Earthy has dimmed of late following a difficult return to Bristol City. Robins boss Gerhard Struber has not found a place for Earthy at Ashton Gate, even handing him a rare start in an unfamiliar right-wing back role recently.
Faring a little better in Germany, Callum Marshall scored his second VFL Bochum goal last week.
In contrast, Niclas Fullkrug’s AC Milan drought drags on. The German hasn’t found the net since heading home the winner against Cagliari in January. This means that, since joining West Ham from Borussia Dortmund for a staggering £27 million in the summer of 2024, Fullkrug has scored four goals in 39 league appearances.
Tellingly, less than two per cent of you want to see Fullkrug brought back to the London Stadium.
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