Ajax require a new number six and have reportedly profiled familiar face Edson Álvarez at West Ham, according to Voetbal International. The Mexican is a prime candidate, but Ajax need players to leave before they can make any progress with West Ham United.
After Jordan Henderson’s departure in early July, Ajax haven’t yet secured a replacement for that number deep-lying role. Recently, manager John Heitinga has alternated between Jorthy Mokio and Davy Klaassen.
Ajax first focused on securing other transfer targets, such as Vitezslav Jaros, Raúl Moro, Oscar Gloukh, and Ko Itakura. Signing a holding midfielder is now the top priority
Álvarez has leadership qualities and experience, and is also seen as a role model for Mokio in his development. As VI journalists Tim van Duijn and Lentin Goodijk explain, Ajax know Álvarez well. He previously played 147 official matches for them, the last six months of which were under Heitinga’s management.
He then moved to London for just under 40 million euros. The duo worked together again in the 2023/24 season, when Heitinga was assistant manager at West Ham. An advantage for Ajax is that Álvarez himself is eager to return to Amsterdam.
Ajax are keen to take Álvarez on a one-year loan. However, currently lacking the funds, the club first wants to sell players like Ahmetcan Kaplan, Sivert Mannsverk and Brian Brobbey.
If this deal doesn’t work out, Ajax has naturally considered several alternatives. One such option is the free agent Nemanja Matic (37), whose contract with Olympique Lyonnais was terminated on Thursday.
