Never a dull moment at West Ham United: The same day that Lopetegui has been fired and Graham Potter installed as his replacement, news of A S Monaco approaching the Hammers for a first team player to try and secure a loan deal to take him away from London Stadium immediately.
According to in-the-know Fabrizio Romano in an X / tweet exclusive,
“AS Monaco approached West Ham to discuss conditions to bring Edson Alvarez to the club on loan.
It’d be an opportunity for the player to return in Champions League and to be key player of Monaco project.
Not an easy deal with West Ham but contacts started”.
Now this is an interesting start to Graham Potter’s reign at London Stadium and a difficult one for him to call. He hasn’t even arrived in his office yet and the request from Monaco to take “El Machin” away from the remainder of the season is fraught with jeopardy.
West Ham of course only have three centre backs – two fully fit ones currently – and in the past had proposed to use Alvarez as the emergency cover in defence as he’s played something over 70 games in that position during his career.
On the other hand, his form has nose dived this season and he has been a disciplinary nightmare with more yellow and red cards than any other Hammer, and still looks short of fitness and something of a liability after his Summer injury.
Combined with the Guido Rodriguez ‘regret’ at coming to West Ham and desire to return to La Liga, it could leave the midfield paper thin: Alternatively this could be a golden opportunity to recall James Ward Prowse, Nayef Aguerd and Freddie Potts from their own loans and have a stronger squad as a result!
Good luck with that, Coach!
