A top West Ham star has spoken out to address speculation over his future after fresh links with a move to Manchester United.
West Ham and Man United have been – and remain – active in the summer transfer window.
There has even been business done between the Hammers and Red Devils as Aaron Wan-Bissaka became Julen Lopetegui’s eight signing and counting.
That £15m move enabled Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to bring in Noussair Mazraoui – who he worked with at Ajax.
There is a pattern to much of Ten Hag’s transfer business at Man United in that he has looked to bring in players who worked with him at the Dutch giants.
It has become something of a running joke that Man United have failed to sign ‘the only good one’ in the shape of West Ham star boy Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham star addresses Man United speculation
But Ten Hag’s transfer pattern has continued with his targeting of another Hammers ace he worked with in Amsterdam, Edson Alvarez.
The summer started with claims that West Ham were working with a restricted budget due to PSR rules.
Hammers News explained at the time that was a red herring. And so it proved as the Irons pulled off one of its best ever windows. Thus far at least.
The eye-catching signing of Jean-Clair Todibo – who Man United were desperate to sign only to be blocked by UEFA – is undoubtedly one of the most exciting of the lot.
As well as the impressive signings, though, West Ham have – just as importantly – kept their best players too.
Hammers hero Alvarez speaks out on future after Romano claim
Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, 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 to Manchester United. Prior to that it was Bayern Munich.
Less than five months into life at West Ham last season, Alvarez stated he’s ‘always open’ to a move after links to Bayern. He also 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.”
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.
The Hammers duly failed to do just that, finishing ninth – one place below Man United.
But the Red Devils made the Europa League by virtue of beating Man City in the FA Cup final – thanks in no small part to Wan-Bissaka’s defensive brilliance.
With Manchester United having the Ten Hag and European football factors – besides being one of the biggest clubs on the planet – it sparked concern when Alvarez was linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this summer.
Now the West Ham star has addressed speculation after fresh links with a move to Man United.
Bad news for Ten Hag’s reunion hopes
Previously the Mexican did little to play down reports of a reunion with Ten Hag.
“I can only tell you that I’m focused on what I have to do,” the Hammers star said, as reported by ESPN in June.
“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.
Until Fabrizio Romano dropped a double bombshell about Alvarez earlier this week.
The transfer reporter claimed not only that the midfielder – who had yet to train properly with the Hammers under new boss Lopetegui – could be back this weekend, but also that clubs were still interested in signing the 26-year-old.
Now Alvarez has spoken directly on his future.
And it seems like very bad news for Man United.
Because El Machin has very much indicated he is staying at West Ham and is looking forward to the new season after the club’s ambitious window.
“The most important thing and what we are all looking for is to get back into Europe,” Alvarez told West Ham’s website about his aims for the season.
“So that means we have to be in the top places in the Premier League.
“The truth is that with this team, I have no doubt that we are going to do it. We are going to fight for important things. Why not win a cup? I think it’s within reach.
“There are several objectives that we have, at least for me personally, but also as a group. This is just the beginning, there’s still a long way to go. Let’s hope that everything goes well.”
Those are not the words of a man with any intention of leaving West Ham United.
Certainly not this summer.
So it seems Manchester United and Ten Hag may well have to look elsewhere.
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