Transfer Talk: Alvarez could Ed to England amid Hammers interest

Edson Alvarez looks set to be the next money-spinner off the Ajax conveyor belt.

The midfielder signed for the Dutch giants from Mexican club America for around £13million in 2019 and looks set to fetch at least three times that this summer, with a move elsewhere in Europe in the offing.

Asked recently whether he wishes to leave, the 25-year-old said: "Yes, I do think so. As a top athlete, it feels good to go for a new challenge at some point."

If Ajax do wish to sell, they will not be short of takers.

Born winner

Alvarez would bring a winning mentality to any side after a career in which he has become used to success.

The tenacious midfielder won the Liga MX and Copa MX — the top flight and leading cup competition in Mexico — with America and has just lifted his second Gold Cup title with the national team.

Having also secured two Eredivisie titles in four seasons with Ajax, he has accumulated plenty of honours for a young player.

Borussia Dortmund, one of the sides linked, could use that experience of getting over the line.

Sneijder smears

When asked about Ajax's decision not to sell Alvarez to Chelsea for £43m last summer, Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder harshly said: "He plays every ball backwards or sideways, he's of no use.

"You could have signed two good players for that."

The Mexican played the second-most passes of any Ajax player last season and the seventh-most per game of any midfielder in the league.

It is true that he is relatively safe with his passing. A success rate of 88.9% suggests that he is not trying anything too ambitious, as does the fact that he played 0.6 key passes per match.

Safety net

Surround Alvarez with quality players, though, and the benefits of having him in the side are clear.

The 68-cap international has been the shield for Ajax's defenders throughout his time in Amsterdam — his reliable defensive presence providing a safety net in an attacking team, while he can also slip into centre-back himself.

He ranked second for tackles and fourth for interceptions per game for his club last term.

A high-energy runner, who is capable of covering ground quickly, Alvarez could fit the bill as Declan Rice's replacement at West Ham.

West Ham awaits

Chelsea's interest of last summer has cooled as they look to partner Enzo Fernandez with Moises Caicedo next season but it is an indicator of the calibre of clubs Alvarez could move to.

Dortmund have been the most intensely linked, with terms said to be agreed between the club and the player, although Ajax's asking price may be prohibitive.

That has opened the door for West Ham, who are looking to reshape their midfield having sold Rice to Arsenal.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Brighton are all also in the market for a new midfielder and could consider a move for the reliable Alvarez.