West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Mexico international Edson Álvarez.
The 25-year-old has joined the Hammers on a permanent contract until June 2028 for an undisclosed fee, after the Club fought off strong competition from other top European clubs to bring him to London Stadium.
A strong and versatile midfielder, Álvarez moves to English football from Dutch club Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles, and less than a month after winning his second CONCACAF Gold Cup with Mexico.
Capped 69 times by his country, Álvarez has extensive European experience with Ajax and is now looking forward to playing Premier League and UEFA Europa League football with West Ham.
“I am very happy and very proud to be here,” said Álvarez, who speaks fluent English after learning the language during his four-year stay in Amsterdam. “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. I now have a responsibility to West Ham and the West Ham family and I will give absolutely everything for the shirt.”
Manager David Moyes is looking forward to working with a player who ranked first in ball carry distance and second in pass attempts in the Eredivisie last season.
“We’re really pleased to add Edson to our squad,” he said. “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.”
Álvarez will wear the 19 shirt at West Ham United.
Born in the municipality of of Tlalnepantla de Baz in the northern suburbs of Mexico City, Álvarez came through the ranks at Club América and made his Liga MX debut in a win over Santos Laguna at the historic Estadio Azteca in October 2016, a week after his 18th birthday.
After appearing for Mexico, aged 20, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Álvarez scored both goals as Club América defeated Cruz Azul to win the Liga MX Apertura title that December. Still just 21, Álvarez signed-off his time with Club América by winning the Clausura Copa MX final against Juárez in April 2019, before making his move across the Atlantic Ocean to Ajax that July.
Álvarez became the first Mexican player to score on his UEFA Champions League group-stage debut when he netted against Lille in September 2019. He went on to win a domestic double with Ajax in 2020/21, and made it consecutive Eredivisie titles the following season. While Ajax did not win a trophy last term, Álvarez excelled again, making 44 appearances for his club.
For Mexico, his influence has been huge since he debuted in a friendly win in Iceland in February 2017. In Álvarez’s 16 CONCACAF Gold Cup appearances, Mexico have lost just twice and won the title on two occasions, in 2019 and 2023, while he has also helped his country to FIFA World Cup finals victories over Germany, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Edson and his family to the Club and wish him every success for his career in Claret and Blue.
