Edson Álvarez will not make a return to Ajax during the current transfer window, as the Amsterdam club has shifted its primary squad-building focus elsewhere amid ongoing negotiations involving West Ham United. Reports from Dutch outlet Voetbal International indicate that the Mexico national team captain is no longer an active target for Ajax, which has instead set its sights on versatile RB Leipzig player Lutsharel Geertruida.
The situation marks a notable shift in the market for the defensive midfielder, who had previously been linked with potential moves back to the Eredivisie or to La Liga with Real Sociedad. According to coverage from MARCA, West Ham’s clear intention to secure a permanent sale for the player complicated preliminary interest from prospective European suitors, leaving his immediate club future tied to the London side where he remains under contract.
Ajax Shifts Defensive Focus to Lutsharel Geertruida
Initial speculation surrounding a potential reunion in Amsterdam suggested that Ajax viewed Álvarez as a priority signing to anchor their midfield. However, those plans hinged on a series of squad movements—including the anticipated sale of Mika Godts to Paris Saint-Germain—that ultimately altered the club’s financial and tactical calculations.
Instead of pursuing a deal for Álvarez, technical staff in Amsterdam turned their attention toward Lutsharel Geertruida. As reported by Voetbal International, the club requires a fixed defensive presence in the middle of the pitch, but sources in the Netherlands clarify that the Mexico international is not among their active options. “Edson Álvarez was linked with the Ajax for that puesto, but although the Mexican still is valued in Amsterdam, it is not an option,” the publication noted regarding the club’s revised recruitment strategy.
Return to West Ham and Recent Carabao Cup Appearance
With a move to the Netherlands off the table, Álvarez has already reported back to West Ham United and integrated into matchday action. The Premier League side spent the previous campaign managing a loan spell for the player at Turkish club Fenerbahçe, though the Istanbul outfit ultimately chose not to trigger the available purchase option at the conclusion of that stint.
Demonstrating his readiness for the current English season, Álvarez recently logged 74 minutes of playing time in West Ham’s 3-1 victory over Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup. Should the midfielder remain with the London club through the remainder of the transfer window, his primary objective will be helping the squad secure promotion back to the Premier League following their relegation at the end of the previous campaign.
Career Path and Upcoming Fixtures
The latest developments extend a career path that has seen the 28-year-old feature for several prominent clubs across domestic and international circuits. After rising through the ranks at Club América in Mexico from 2016 to 2019, Álvarez established his reputation in Europe during a four-year tenure with Ajax between 2019 and 2023. He subsequently transferred to West Ham United ahead of the 2023-24 season before his brief loan period in Turkey.
As the transfer window progresses toward its final deadline, Álvarez remains part of the West Ham setup under managerial direction, preparing for the club’s upcoming domestic league fixtures.
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