West Ham United’s season has been a turbulent one, marred by inconsistency, poor results, and a general lack of direction. Despite high hopes at the start of the campaign, the Hammers have struggled across all competitions, and their failure to make significant reinforcements in the January transfer window has only added to the concerns. The club’s decision-making, both in terms of recruitment and managerial changes, has left fans frustrated, and there is growing uncertainty about the team’s ability to turn things around before it’s too late.
The appointment of Graham Potter was seen as a necessary change following Julen Lopetegui’s disappointing spell in charge. Lopetegui, who was expected to bring structure and tactical discipline to the squad, instead oversaw a difficult period where results simply didn’t improve. The club’s hierarchy decided to act, bringing in Potter to steady the ship, but even he has found it difficult to reverse West Ham’s fortunes.
Potter inherited a squad that, while boasting some quality players, lacked balance and depth. Many believed that the January transfer window would be an opportunity to address those shortcomings, particularly given the club’s struggles in the Premier League. However, instead of a significant squad overhaul, West Ham made just one major signing—Evan Ferguson. While Ferguson is undoubtedly a talented forward with huge potential, a single addition was never going to be enough to fix the problems within the team.
One of the biggest concerns throughout the season has been the midfield, with Edson Álvarez at the center of discussions regarding his performances and future at the club. The Mexican international, who was signed from Ajax in the summer of 2023, was expected to be a key figure in the heart of West Ham’s midfield. However, his displays this season have been inconsistent, leading to questions about whether he is truly the right fit for the team in the long run.
Despite his mixed performances, Álvarez has remained a regular in the starting lineup, which speaks volumes about West Ham’s lack of viable alternatives. Throughout the January transfer window, there were persistent rumors linking him with a move away, with Monaco emerging as one of the clubs most interested in securing his services. While nothing materialized at the time, recent comments from Monaco’s technical director, Carlos Avina, have reignited speculation over Álvarez’s future.
Speaking to Fox News Mexico on February 10, Avina confirmed that Monaco had been seriously exploring the possibility of signing Álvarez, but ultimately, an agreement could not be reached.
“Edson is obviously a player I know very well from my time at América,” Avina stated. “It was an option that we were exploring and pushing for, unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement. He is doing very well at West Ham, and I think it is no surprise that clubs like us and from other leagues are also looking for him.”
These comments suggest that Monaco’s interest was genuine and that Álvarez remains a player on their radar. While West Ham were able to hold onto him for now, there is every chance that Monaco—or another club—could return in the summer with a renewed bid.
The question now is whether West Ham should consider selling him. On one hand, Álvarez has not been at his best this season, and if a sizeable offer comes in, it could provide the club with much-needed funds to reinvest in other areas. However, on the other hand, West Ham’s midfield is already one of their weakest areas, and losing Álvarez without securing a top-quality replacement could leave them in an even worse situation.
Guido Rodríguez, who was brought in over the summer to bolster the midfield, has failed to make a significant impact. His performances have been underwhelming, and there have been suggestions that he is already looking for a way out of the club. This has only compounded West Ham’s problems in midfield, forcing the club to make a surprising decision—recalling James Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
Ward-Prowse had initially been sent out on loan in an attempt to shake things up in the midfield, but the fact that he was brought back midway through the season speaks volumes about how poorly things have gone. His return may provide some stability, but it is clear that West Ham’s midfield remains a major concern.
If Álvarez were to leave in the summer, West Ham would need to ensure that they receive a substantial transfer fee—one that would allow them to bring in a suitable replacement. However, the reality is that finding a player of his quality at a reasonable price will not be easy. The club’s financial situation is not as strong as it once was, and there is no guarantee that they would be able to reinvest effectively.
For Graham Potter, the immediate priority must be to focus on survival and stability. West Ham’s current form suggests that they are in real danger of being dragged into a relegation battle, and if they don’t start picking up points soon, the consequences could be severe. If the club were to be relegated, it would not only be a sporting disaster but also a financial one, making it even more difficult to hold onto key players like Álvarez.
The remainder of the season will be crucial in determining West Ham’s future. If Potter can find a way to get the best out of the squad, steady the ship, and ensure the club’s survival, then they can reassess their options in the summer. However, if the struggles continue, they may be left with no choice but to cash in on players like Álvarez to fund a major squad rebuild.
Ultimately, whether Álvarez stays or goes will depend on several factors, including his performances in the final months of the season, the level of interest from other clubs, and West Ham’s own ambitions moving forward. If Monaco or another club comes in with a substantial bid, the Hammers will have a big decision to make.
For now, though, Potter and his players must focus on the task at hand—climbing up the table and securing safety. Anything less than that, and the summer could bring even more upheaval to a club that has already endured far too much instability this season.
What do you think? Should West Ham consider selling Álvarez in the summer, or would letting him go only weaken the squad further? And more importantly, do you think Potter is capable of turning things around, or is this season already a lost cause?