Edson Álvarez Could be Heading Back to Ajax as Transfer Race Heats Up

Mexican midfielder Edson Álvarez is in the middle of transfer rumors. Ajax wants him on loan, but other clubs are interested too. His agent says returning to Ajax is hard, but not impossible.

INTEREST FROM AJAX AND OTHERS

Ajax wants Álvarez to replace defensive midfielder Jordan Henderson, who agreed to part ways this summer. Manager John Heitinga and Ajax officials think Álvarez could help younger players with his experience and leadership. But Ajax needs to sell players to afford Álvarez’s loan. They’re looking to sell striker Brian Brobbey and defenders Ahmetcan Kaplan and Sivert Mannsverk. If Ajax can’t finalize the deal for Álvarez, they may bring in Nemanja Matic, who was released from Lyon.

Bayer Leverkusen is also interested in Álvarez. Coach Erik ten Hag’s past connection to the midfielder adds more drama to the situation. Álvarez is open to leaving West Ham because he wants more playing time before the 2026 World Cup.

SEASON PERFORMANCE SO FAR

Álvarez, 27, played more than 140 matches for Ajax from 2019 to 2023. Then, he joined West Ham United in the Premier League for €38 million. He was a regular starter and was praised for his defense and passing skills. West Ham finished 14th last season, where Álvarez started in 32 matches and scored twice. Ajax ended up second in the Eredivisie for the 2024/25 season and qualified for the Champions League, with improving the squad as their main focus this summer.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT?

There should be more updates by the weekend as the transfer window’s closing period starts. If Ajax sells enough players, Álvarez might return on loan. If not, he might end up in Germany or another European country. Ajax’s next Eredivisie game is against Go Ahead Eagles, and they are currently 6th, but with a win in the only match they played. West Ham will play newly promoted Sunderland in the opening fixture of the new Premier League season, targeting another top-half finish after last season’s fourteenth-place showing.