TRANSFER NEWS
Edson Álvarez pushes for Real Sociedad move as talks with West Ham advance
Edson Álvarez is pushing to join Real Sociedad and is prepared to reduce his salary, with negotiations continuing between the Spanish club and West Ham over a permanent transfer.
Real Sociedad have stepped up their pursuit of Edson Álvarez, with the West Ham midfielder pushing for a move to San Sebastián before the transfer window closes.
According to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, talks involving the Mexico international have advanced and Álvarez has asked West Ham to allow him to leave. He is also prepared to accept a reduction in salary in order to fit within Real Sociedad’s wage structure. No agreement between the clubs has yet been reached.
The development represents a significant shift in a deal that has been under consideration for several weeks. Real Sociedad had already explored the conditions of a move earlier in the summer, while Ajax also considered bringing Álvarez back to Amsterdam. The Dutch option has since lost momentum, leaving the Spanish club in a stronger position if an agreement with West Ham can be found.
West Ham’s position remains an important part of the negotiation. Mundo Deportivo reports that the London club are only considering a permanent departure, which limits the range of structures available to Real Sociedad as they look for a financially workable solution.
For Real Sociedad, Álvarez would address more than one area of the squad. Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 28-year-old can also operate at centre-back and would add physical presence to a team that has been looking to reinforce the centre of its defence. Local outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa reported on Tuesday that the club have reactivated the Mexican as an active option in the market.
Álvarez returned to West Ham this summer after spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Fenerbahçe. His contract with the English club runs until 2028, meaning West Ham are under no immediate contractual pressure to sanction a reduced-price exit.
The player’s willingness to make financial concessions could nevertheless help move negotiations forward. Rather than simply being the subject of interest, Álvarez is now reported to be actively favouring the move and asking for the conditions to be created for it to happen.
That does not make the transfer imminent. Real Sociedad still need to reach terms with West Ham, and there is no confirmed fee or completed agreement at club level.
What has changed is the player’s position: Álvarez is prepared to move to San Sebastián, and the next decisive step belongs to the two clubs.