£35k-A-Week West Ham Ace Faces Nuno Axe After Failed Exit: What Is The Best Decision With The Duo?

£35k-A-Week West Ham Ace Faces Nuno Axe After Failed Exit: What Is The Best Decision With The Duo? West Ham United have two midfield cases after the summer window closed without exits for Soungoutou Magassa and Edson Álvarez after relegation to the Championship. Claret & Hugh , citing tactical reporting from Green Street Hammers, says Magassa has apologised to Nuno Espírito Santo and his teammates after deleting West Ham references from his social media last month while pushing for a transfer. The apology may repair some dressing-room damage, yet it has not opened a route into the side. Green Street Hammers points to five midfielders ahead of him: Arne Engels, Divine Mukasa, Lewis Orford, Mohamadou Kanté and Tomáš Souček, with only two or three central places available. Magassa made 22 Premier League appearances last season, scoring once in 979 minutes, and currently has no Championship appearances. Training, patience and an injury crisis could offer his clearest route back. West Ham United must split the two cases At 22, Magassa still has resale value, with current estimates around €17m, so freezing him out should serve a purpose rather than become punishment without an end point. Nuno can keep him away from meaningful league minutes for now while demanding consistent training standards, then reassess in January. A permanent sale makes financial sense if the relationship remains broken, because bringing him back simply to prove a point about squad depth could weaken meritocracy and deliver little return. WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Edson Alvarez of West Ham United controls the ball during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and West Ham United FC at Molineux on April 01, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) Álvarez needs different treatment. The 28-year-old remains a Mexico international, spent last season on loan at Fenerbahçe, and has already appeared in West Ham’s EFL Cup this campaign. His experience and defensive discipline give Nuno a useful option for cup games and controlled rotation, while regular involvement can keep his profile intact before January. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) That matters because leaving an established defensive midfielder unused in the Championship can damage his market value. West Ham paid heavily for Álvarez previously, and a reported valuation around €15m makes asset protection sensible. Use him sparingly but visibly, build a marketable sample, then explore a permanent European move in January. Magassa can afford patience because age gives him time. Álvarez carries a higher financial cost through inactivity. West Ham United should therefore keep both players away from automatic league roles, but for very different reasons. Fans have argued that his defensive protection could help a fragile back four, giving Nuno another practical reason to preserve his transfer appeal abroad.