Nuno Might Bring Back West Ham Outcast In His Plans: How Can The Hammers Use Him?

Edson Álvarez now faces a less glamorous task than hunting for a new club. He has to rebuild his standing at West Ham United after the last realistic summer exit disappeared. Sean Whetstone of Claret & Hugh reports that the Mexican midfielder’s agent could not secure either a permanent deal or a loan, while the Brazilian window closed without a solution. Saudi Arabia remains a paper option, yet a source close to Álvarez says a move there looks extremely unlikely because spending has slowed. Álvarez and Soungoutou Magassa therefore appear set to stay until January.

That leaves Nuno Espírito Santo holding the cards. West Ham have won four straight league games, including Friday’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Wrexham, and the manager has little reason to disturb a side gaining momentum. Still, Tomáš Souček’s injury could create an opening, with Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Fulham the obvious first test for Álvarez’s possible return. Claret & Hugh says he now needs to show contrition, work hard and restore his value before January.

Can West Ham United actually get value from Álvarez?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Edson Alvarez of West Ham United poses for a photo with wife Sofia Toache and their children during a lap of honour following the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at London Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Yes, but Nuno should give him a defined job rather than ask him to reinvent himself. At 28, Álvarez remains a leader for Mexico, and his defensive instincts still offer West Ham useful cover. His current exclusion makes more sense against the backdrop of his failed move, yet throwing away a specialist ball-winner would make little footballing sense. A two-man midfield suits him best.

Could West Ham United use his edge without the cards?

That last point poses a warning. Álvarez collected 11 yellow cards in his previous Premier League season, so his aggression can quickly become a liability. Nuno therefore needs discipline alongside the bite. The prize, though, is tactical insurance during a promotion push and a midfielder who can add steel when matches turn scrappy.

The bigger issue sits with Álvarez himself. He has to accept the failed move, train properly and make every appearance count. His 2025/26 club season came with Fenerbahçe, where he made 12 league appearances, while his earlier West Ham spell gave him substantial Premier League experience.

Tuesday against Fulham gives him an audition. A strong showing could reopen the January market; another absence would make his position harder to shift.