Edson Álvarez Set to Join Fenerbahçe on Loan

Fenerbahçe have agreed to sign midfielder Edson Álvarez from West Ham. It is a loan deal with a buy option. Álvarez will complete his medical tests in Istanbul today. Fenerbahçe are close to signing Edson Álvarez on a loan move with an option to buy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Álvarez chose Fenerbahçe over Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Porto. The Turkish club moved fast to sign him, beating other teams. New manager José Mourinho played a big role in his move. He promised Álvarez a spot in European competitions this season. The deal is for a one-year loan, with an option to buy. Álvarez, 27, will have medical tests today before signing his contract. As reported, Álvarez is a target for Fenerbahçe as new manager José Mourinho aims to strengthen the midfield.

WHY ÁLVAREZ LEFT WEST HAM?

Álvarez had a tough time getting a regular place at West Ham in the 2024/25 season. He played 29 league games but started only 15, with 2 goals and 2 assists. West Ham finished 13th, far from European spots. New manager Graham Potter decided Álvarez was not part of his plan. Edson Álvarez is expected to leave West Ham United before the transfer window closes on September 1. Fenerbahçe, on the other hand, finished second in the Turkish league and qualified for the Champions League playoff where they drew the 1st leg against Benfica at home. Mourinho’s arrival increased the team’s ambition, and talks for Álvarez accelerated last week.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Álvarez will join Fenerbahçe aiming for the league title and Champions League playoff in Lisbon. Their next game is against Adana Demirspor in the league. Fenerbahçe are in third place after two games, two points behind leaders Galatasaray and one point ahead of Trabzonspor. Mourinho plans to use Álvarez as a main midfielder, appreciating his defense and stamina. If the loan works well, Fenerbahçe might buy him permanently. Fans expect his arrival will start a new era under Mourinho, with great hopes at home and in Europe. Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish Süper Lig, just behind Galatasaray.