Carlos Soler has sent a classy farewell message to West Ham as he returns to PSG but it is Edson Alvarez’s reaction that will raise eyebrows.
There was excitement around the arrival of Carlos Soler as West Ham’s deadline day signing last summer.
The deal was a season-long loan with the Hammers holding a £17.5m option if things worked out for the elegant Spanish midfielder.
Unfortunately they haven’t with the ex Valencia star playing just as infrequently at West Ham as he did in Paris.
Hammers News explained from the start a permanent West Ham deal for Soler was always difficult.
He is on £240k per week at PSG and has another two years left on his contract.
But despite playing less than he would have hoped, Soler has actually been a breath of fresh air off the pitch.
Departing Soler embraced being a Hammer like Fornals
He could have been forgiven for simply going through the motions given his lack of minutes.
Yet many have likened Soler to his fellow Spaniard and friend Pablo Fornals for his positive attitude, mindset and the way he has really embraced being a Hammer, despite only being here on loan.
A prime example of that came when the club’s Academy side enjoyed success recently.
Soler was one of the only first team players to congratulate West Ham’s Under 18s on social media after they won the Premier League Cup.
Unfortunately the 28-year-old has blown hot and cold on the pitch. Not helped by the irregularity of his game time playing in a new country and league.
Another couple of seasons out on loan beckon for the midfielder.
Soler appeared to send a plea to Graham Potter to keep him at West Ham in a recent interview.
But now Brighton are being linked with a move for Soler.
He is not the only midfielder set to depart east London.
Graham Potter knows the team’s slow, immobile central midfield needs to be completely overhauled.
Guido Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez are the least dynamic and athletic midfield units in the Premier League.
There is a serious lack of pace, power and energy among them not to mention craft and guile.
All four players – along with most of West Ham’s squad – are said to be up for sale if suitable offers arrive.
Soler’s classy West Ham farewell gets interesting Alvarez response
Alvarez has talked up a move to West Ham almost from the day he arrived.
Including as recently as 10 days ago, when Alvarez said ‘there will always be options’ to leave the Hammers.
Now Soler has sent a classy West Ham farewell message and it got a very interesting response from Alvarez.
Soler was not included in West Ham’s squad for the season finale at Ipswich.
So he had to take to social media to say his goodbyes instead.
His words sum up his fantastic attitude to being part of West Ham.
So much so it actually puts many of his teammates, who are permanent Hammers employees, to shame.
“It’s been incredible playing for this team and especially for its fans, who have been awesome all season,” Soler said on Instagram.
“We all wish we could’ve done better, but that’s just how football is.
“Thanks to everyone at the club for all the love from day one; I’ve felt right at home.
“Once a Hammer, always a Hammer!”
What a class act, showing pure respect for the club.
Alvarez drops hint over his West Ham future
Alvarez’s reply was heartfelt but offers an interesting insight on his own future.
Linked with the likes of AC Milan and Monaco of late, Alvarez appears to suggest his future could now actually be at West Ham.
Because he says he and his West Ham teammates will miss Soler next season, a hint the Mexican thinks he’ll still be in east London when the new campaign rolls around.
“What a player you are bro,” Alvarez told Soler alongside a flame emoji.
“All the best to you today and always, we will miss you.
“Thank you for everything Carlos.”
Whether West Ham and Potter want to keep Alvarez is another matter of course.
With money needed to make signings, any reasonable offers would be welcomed for a player who has failed to prove he is up to the pace and physicality of the Premier League since arriving from Holland.
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