West Ham United have announced the signing of midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract until June 2028 and moves to the London Stadium for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth in the region of £35m.
Alvarez will wear the No.19 shirt for the Europa Conference League winners and has become David Moyes's first signing of the summer transfer window.
Speaking to West Ham's official website on his arrival at the club, Alvarez said: "I am very happy and very proud to be here. 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."
This is his moment, this is El Machín 🦾 pic.twitter.com/vNUQsTpX3A
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 10, 2023
Alvarez, who speaks fluent English after learning the language during his time at Ajax, added: "The Premier League is a special league, the best league in the world and I think my style will suit it. I now have a responsibility to West Ham and the West Ham family and I will give absolutely everything for the shirt."
Moyes continued: "We're really pleased to add Edson to our squad. The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – 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.
"We're excited about welcoming to West Ham and seeing him play his part in English and European competition for the club."
© Reuters
Born in Tlalnepantla de Baz in the northern suburbs of Mexico City, Alvarez began his senior career with Club America and spent three years with the Mexican giants before moving to the Netherlands to join Ajax in 2019.
The versatile deep-lying midfielder, who can also operate at centre-back, made 147 appearances for Ajax, scoring 13 goals, and won two Eredivisie titles as well as one KNVB Beker.
Alvarez was the subject of strong interest from Chelsea last August before a move ultimately failed to materialise, while the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been credited with an interest this summer.
However, following the £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal last month, West Ham have swooped in to win the race for signature of the 69-cap Mexico international, who could make his Premier League debut away against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Hammers are also looking to bolster their squad with the addition of James Ward-Prowse who is expected to undergo his medical on Thursday ahead of completing a £30m transfer to the London Stadium from Southampton.
West Ham are also understood to have agreed a fee in principle to sign Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, while Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay is among a number of other targets on Moyes's radar.
Oliver Thomas
