Edson Alvarez has officially linked up with the West Ham United squad in New Jersey, bringing some clarity to his immediate situation as the team continues its pre-season tour across the United States.
The midfielder’s arrival, confirmed by the club on Instagram, comes during a swirl of uncertainty surrounding his role under new boss Graham Potter.
Alvarez’s participation in the tour hasn’t silenced talk about his long-term place in the squad, despite his visible involvement in training and team activities.
Alvarez back in New Jersey with West Ham squad
The 27-year-old met up with teammates at the club’s New Jersey base after enjoying a short post-Gold Cup break. He played a key role in Mexico’s triumph earlier this summer, scoring the winner in the final against the USA before being granted a three-week rest.
On July 28, West Ham posted confirmation of Alvarez’s re-entry to the group on social media, showing him alongside the likes of Tomas Soucek. His appearance in training gear and being pictured smiling with teammates felt like a public nod that he remains part of the plans (for now).
Transfer rumours linger despite Alvarez’s return
Still, doubts remain. Reports from ESPN Mexico suggest the midfielder was told earlier this month that he’s not in Potter’s plans for the new season. That kind of conversation casts a long shadow, even with Alvarez now active in pre-season sessions.
Signed in May 2023 by David Moyes after the club’s Europa Conference League win, Alvarez was brought in to fortify West Ham’s midfield. He featured in 42 matches in his debut season, but struggled with discipline, picking up 31 yellow cards and 2 reds, one of which came during Julen Lopetegui’s temporary spell in charge.
That inconsistency has only fuelled the idea that he might be one of the names moved on this summer.
Potter reshaping West Ham midfield, focusing on youth and new faces
With West Ham finishing 14th last season, Potter has wasted no time in trying to reshape the squad. The midfield is stacking up fast: Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, James Ward-Prowse, and new signing Guido Rodriguez are all contracted, while young players like Oliver Scarles, Freddie Potts, and George Earthy are expected to play bigger roles.
The youth-first strategy, combined with a few fresh signings, suggests fewer minutes may be available for players like Alvarez who don’t clearly fit into Potter’s long-term blueprint.
Elsewhere, Kyle Walker-Peters has arrived from Southampton, believed to be Coufal’s replacement, and Mohammed Kudus with his big-money switch to Tottenham. The message is pretty clear… a shift is underway.
Next steps for Alvarez still open
Alvarez remains part of the daily routine during West Ham’s U.S. tour, but what comes after is less certain. His contract runs until June 2028, so the club isn’t under pressure to act fast, but the window is ticking.
Whether he earns his place under Potter or heads out before the deadline, Edson Alvarez returning to the group in America has at least offered a bit more clarity, if not closure. For now, he’s on the plane, in the training kit, and very much under the spotlight.
