Mexico’s Edson Alvarez joins West Ham United
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Staff Reports, Staff reports
- August 10, 2023
El Tri star heads to East London from Dutch club AFC Ajax
Mexican national team star Edson Alvarez, one of the best soccer players from North America, has signed with West Ham United of the English Premier League.
“Mexico (is) my culture, my heritage, but East London, that’s my home now,” Alvarez said in a video posted on Twitter by West Ham. “This club, these fans, the passion, the history, now this is my moment.”
Alvarez, 25, arrived in East London via a £35 million transfer from Dutch club AFC Ajax. The holding midfielder has been a staple of Mexico’s senior national team since making his debut for El Tri in 2017.
He appeared in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups for El Tri. Alvarez was born and raised in a municipality on the outskirts of Mexico City. He is affectionately known as “El Machin,” the Machine.
From Ajax to West Ham
Alvarez made his debut with Liga MX giant Club America’s first team five days after his 19th birthday on Oct. 29, 2016. Less than three years later, he joined AFC Ajax on a $17 million transfer in July 2019. He quickly became a fan favorite at Ajax. Now he’s headed to England.
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“I am very happy and very proud to be here,” Alvarez told London media. “Being here in London and seeing London Stadium, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to play here in front of the West Ham fans.
“It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career. To join a club like a West Ham is a dream for me and my family. The Premier League is a special league, the best league in the world. And I think my style will suit it.”
El Tri anchor
Alvarez helped Mexico win the 2023 Gold Cup this summer after El Tri’s disappointing showings at the 2022 World Cup and 2023 CONCACAF Nations League. He is perhaps El Tri’s top player in Europe.
“The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer,” West Ham manager David Moyes said. “And Edson will complement the other options we have in that department.
“He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.”
Staff Reports
Staff reports
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