West Ham United could still find themselves a cool £19 million richer at some point down the line, whether that windfall comes the way of the Premier League strugglers now or at the end of the campaign.
That is the fee Fenerbahce agreed upon when signing Edson Alvarez on loan last summer, with an option-to-buy clause cemented in the Mexico international’s contract.
So while West Ham United will not recoup the £35 million they handed over to Ajax in 2023 – Alvarez another expensive Tim Steidten addition who eventually failed to live up to lofty expectations – recouping around two-thirds of their investment would represent a pretty solid piece of business.
If Edson Alvarez RETURNED to West Ham this summer, how would you respond? 🇲🇽
And which player would be most worried by his comeback?
Fenerbahce are reportedly paying every penny of Alvarez’s £100,000-a-week wages already. Thus, saving the Hammers a further £5 million across the calendar year.
But if they are to bank that additional £19 million, while getting the one-time Chelsea target off the books for good, well they will be praying that the injuries which have restricted Alvarez’s impact in Istanbul can finally be overcome.
Now though, as Chelsea and France legend N’Golo Kante reportedly closes in on a move to the Turkish Super Lig challengers, Alvarez’s future beyond the current campaign suddenly feels increasingly uncertain.
Future of West Ham United loanee Edson Alvarez in doubt at Fenerbahce
Turkish reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported on Monday evening that Kante, who is currently under contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad, has an offer on the table from Fenerbahce.
The Athletic have since claimed that talks between the two clubs are ‘advancing’ regarding the 34-year-old World Cup winner.
“N’Golo Kante is advancing in talks to join Fenerbahce,” The Athletic reveal. “Kante is out of contract this summer and is yet to agree new terms with the Saudi Pro League side.
“Led by sporting director, Devin Ozek, Fenerbahce have made an approach for the France international and are confident of agreeing a deal.”
West Ham, though, might not be especially ‘confident’ right now regarding the potential £19 million sale of Edson Alvarez.
The Hammers loanee ‘did a John Terry’ when Fenerbahce defeated bitter rivals Galatasaray to claim the Turkish Cup over the weekend, joining in the celebrations in full kit despite missing the decider through injury.
He has started only nine of their 17 league matches.
Now, in addition to the likely arrival of one of the best and most decorated defensive midfielders of the 21st century, Fenerbahce have also broken their transfer record to sign one-time Arsenal prospect Mateo Guendouzi from Lazio for around £25 million.
Fenerbahce close in on N’Golo Kante months after Jose Mourinho sacking
What do these two high-profile midfield acquisitions mean for Alvarez? Do Fenerbahce still plan on turning his loan into a permanent transfer? Or have they been sufficiently spooked by the injury issues which have forced him to miss 13 matches for club and country this season?
It is no secret, meanwhile, that Jose Mourinho was a key factor in Alvarez’s decision to join Fenerbahce in August. Mourinho would be sacked only a few weeks later.
“These have been very challenging weeks,” Alvarez told Miroslava Montemayor after his Turkish Super Lig beginnings were interrupted by fitness concerns and Mourinho’s sudden departure.
“Obviously, and it’s no secret because it was said everywhere, that a large part of my decision [to join Fenerbahce] because of [Mourinho]. I had a lot of contact with him before going to Fener. He was a key player.
“Obviously, when they give you the news [about Mourinho’s sacking], it’s not pleasant to hear. But anyway, I’m not going to sit back and cry. We have a very competitive team. I got there because of the coach but also because of the board, who wanted me.”
Lucas Paqueta wants Flamengo move as West Ham exits ramp up
Lucas Paqueta ‘wants to leave West Ham’ in the midst of a relegation battle – what’s your reaction?!
What was the point in this then? 🤔
This is rapidly shaping up to be a year of many incomings and even more outgoings at the London Stadium.
Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme have departed already while Lucas Paqueta has his heart set on re-joining Flamengo.
Guido Rodriguez has no long-term future in the English capital either. Nuno Espirito Santo also confirmed, before the 2-1 FA Cup victory over QPR, that Callum Wilson and James Ward-Prowse can leave, potentially alongside goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
“What I say is that, eventually, there are players that have to leave,” Nuno said. “We are being really direct and honest for them to look at the best options.
“It’s clear the situation of James. It’s been clear since some time ago. He’s not among the options and it’s up to him to find the best solution for his future.
“We have honest conversations with all the players. We had a conversation with Mads. We are still to decide if he will play vs QPR, but he is here with us.”
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