Despite glaring needs for reinforcement in crucial positions, West Ham appear to have no budget to spend in January. The Hammers’ underwhelming options in midfield and attack suggest a team poised for a lower-table finish, at best.
It’s a puzzling situation, given that Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui were handed a £155 million war chest in the summer.
West Ham have been among the Premier League’s top five spenders over the past two years, yet their current form could see them flirting with relegation if performances don’t improve dramatically.
What’s glaringly obvious is West Ham’s need for a young, energetic striker and a similarly dynamic presence in midfield.
Ideally, they’d acquire two players for each position, though even one of each would make a difference.
But the word from the club’s higher-ups is that the budget has run dry, and any new arrivals would require player sales to meet Premier League sustainability rules.
If West Ham must sell to buy, the solution seems clear: Edson Alvarez should be shown the door as soon as the January window opens.
Alvarez has quickly gone from promising newcomer to glaring liability. Last weekend, “immobile” Alvarez was singled out by Match of the Day pundits as West Ham’s biggest problem.
They dissected his sluggishness and lack of adaptability, concluding that he simply can’t match the pace and intensity of other Premier League midfielders.
The Forest game only reinforced this view. Alvarez and his midfield partner were dominated by Forest’s Ryan Yates, a performance that left many fans and analysts questioning the Mexican international’s suitability.
Once hailed as a solid replacement for Declan Rice, Alvarez now appears a poor fit, lacking the agility and intensity that Rice brought to the role.
Alvarez’s disciplinary record has compounded the issue. He was sent off in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool for a reckless challenge, and he’s already collected five yellows and two reds in just 11 appearances this season. His repeated lapses in judgment only increase the urgency for a replacement.
If funds are required to strengthen the squad, Alvarez seems the ideal candidate to make way.
The Mexican midfielder has been linked with several clubs since joining West Ham, yet he’s never committed his long-term future to the Hammers. On the contrary, he’s hinted at potential moves away, fueling speculation about his commitment.
Recent rumours have linked West Ham with a possible swap involving AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek or a move for Jobe Bellingham.
Either would inject much-needed energy and physicality into West Ham’s midfield and could address the gap Alvarez has failed to fill.
Selling Alvarez would not only generate funds but also free up space for a more capable and motivated replacement. West Ham’s recruitment team, led by Steidten, must be ready with a younger, more athletic alternative to take Alvarez’s place.
If the Hammers are to climb the table and avoid a relegation fight, decisive action is needed.
Moving on from Alvarez and bringing in a dynamic midfielder could be the spark West Ham need – and Steidten has a critical role to play in making that happen.