There is never a dull moment for West Ham and now the club could be set for a miracle as a top club insider responds to a Fabrizio Romano revelation.
West Ham have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer window, making eight signings.
A top club spokesman told Hammers News that West Ham could yet make more additions too.
But that would depend on whether the Hammers can offload several players deemed surplus to requirements by Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten.
The summer started with claims that West Ham were working with a restricted budget due to PDR.
Hammers News explained that was a red herring and so it proved as the club pulled off one of its best ever windows. Thus far at least.
The eye-catching signing of Jean-Clair Todibo was undoubtedly the most exciting of the lot.
Todibo is a player genuinely coveted by some of the top clubs in Europe.
And one who will cost West Ham around £30m if and when the obligation to buy clause activates once he starts five Premier League games.
As well as the impressive signings, though, West Ham have – just as importantly – kept their best players too.
Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Edson Alvarez and Alphonse Areola have all been linked with moves away at one time or another during this window.
West Ham’s summer splurge had sparked concerns that West Ham might be gearing up to sell one of those players to balance the PSR books.
Just a couple of months ago fan favourite midfielder Alvarez was being linked with a move away from West Ham.
Midway through last season Alvarez stated he’s ‘always open’ to a move after links to Bayern. And he went on to say: “I want to play and show the people my best qualities. But in the summer, you never know what‘s going on.”
Other outlets such as Caught Offside reported at the end of last season that the Hammers were concerned Alvarez could push to leave if the club did not qualify for Europe.
So when West Ham did indeed fail to secure European football for the first time in four seasons, that sparked concern El Machin might leave.
Romano makes stunning double Alvarez claim
Earlier this summer Manchester United were then heavily linked with the Hammers midfield ace.
And the Mexican did little to play down reports of a reunion with Erik ten Hag – who managed him at Ajax.
“I can only tell you that I’m focused on what I have to do,” the Hammers star said, as reported by ESPN.
“I know that the Copa America is a very important tournament where the eyes of the world are basically here.
“Later there will be time to see what there is or what there isn’t.”
A pretty serious hamstring injury at Copa America dampened that noise.
Alvarez has remained out since and there has been claim and counter claim about when he will return to action for West Ham.
Now a board source says West Ham would be set for a miracle after a revelation from Fabrizio Romano about Alvarez.
Top Hammers sources have stated this week that Alvarez is not expected to return to first team action until the end of September or even mid-October.
But Romano has taken to social media to drop a double bombshell about the midfielder.
Romano revealed that not only is Alvarez expected to be back in West Ham’s squad for this weekend’s clash with Palace – he could also leave in the last 10 days of the window.
Board source says West Ham set for a miracle after revelation
“Edson Alvarez, expected to be back in the squad for West Ham against Crystal Palace if all goes to plan,” Romano said.
“There are still clubs interested in Alvarez for final days of transfer window but no formal bids so far.”
That has sparked a telling response from Sean Whetstone, who is close with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Whetstone poured cold water on the claim that Alvarez is on the verge of a return.
In fact he says it would be a ‘miracle’ given the player is yet to even train with Lopetegui’s squad in his comeback from that hamstring injury.
“Considering he isn’t training with the squad yet this would be a miracle!” Whetstone said in response to Romano.
He has not gone unnoticed, though, that Whetstone did not address the possibility of Alvarez leaving.
Speculation is rife that West Ham are on the verge of agreeing a deal for their ninth signing of the summer.
Hammers sale fears to be realised?
Talks are reportedly ongoing between the Irons and PSG over midfielder Carlos Soler.
The 27-year-old Spaniard is a big favourite of Lopetegui.
Soler is an all rounder who can play in both defensive and attacking midfield roles.
One would have to wonder where Soler, Alvarez, Rodriguez and Paqueta would fit in to the same team.
Particularly when the Hammers also have James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and with Kudus’ desire to play centrally.
And especially with no European football to rotate the squad.
Perhaps fears West Ham will be selling one of their players to balance the books are not that far-fetched after all.
Although on signing for the club Rodriguez appeared to drop a big hint over Alvarez’s future at West Ham.
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