West Ham Make Shock U-Turn On Midfielder After Summer Exit: Is Nuno Making The Right Call?

West Ham Make Shock U-Turn On Midfielder After Summer Exit: Is Nuno Making The Right Call? Nuno Espírito Santo has reportedly changed his stance on a midfielder who appeared certain to leave this summer. West Ham have opened a fresh route back into the first-team picture for Edson Álvarez, with Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly willing to bring the Mexico international back into his plans. Álvarez looked set for another move after returning from Fenerbahçe, where he spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan. Yet the picture has shifted during September, with reports now pointing to a possible return at Rush Green. An agent involved in Álvarez’s move to Turkey said Nuno “really likes him” and has no issue with the midfielder staying. That represents a sharp change from the earlier expectation that the 28-year-old would remain at the London Stadium only until January. The midfielder joined West Ham from Ajax in August 2023. The deal carried a reported £35m price tag, while the club later sent him to Fenerbahçe on loan. Reports in September have indicated that West Ham rejected several cash proposals because they failed to meet the club’s valuation. Álvarez still has a contract until June 2028. Nuno’s reported stance could now give Álvarez a genuine route back. ExWHUEmployee has claimed that the midfielder has returned to full first-team training, putting him closer to consideration after spending much of the early campaign outside the matchday group. Edson Álvarez gives Nuno another midfield option There is a practical reason to consider the Mexican again. Álvarez brings aggression, aerial strength and defensive discipline, while his ability to operate as a holding midfielder can give Nuno another option when matches become scrappy. That role could prove useful in the Championship, where midfield battles often become physical and second balls can decide. Still, his return shouldn’t mean an automatic starting place. Nuno has spent time shaping a different midfield structure, and Álvarez will need to show that he can move the ball quickly enough for the manager’s preferred transitions. Tomáš Souček’s recovery adds another factor. The Czech midfielder continues his rehabilitation from ankle ligament damage, and he is expected to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Rush Green this week alongside Álvarez. Do West Ham need Álvarez for Nuno’s tactical plan? MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 24: Edson Alvarez #4 of Mexico celebrates the team’s first goal scored by Mateo Chavez #20 (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) From the club’s point of view, keeping Álvarez available makes sense if Nuno can define his role clearly. The midfielder offers a different edge, particularly when West Ham need to close spaces or defend narrow leads. There is a risk, though. Pairing similar midfield profiles could reduce the speed and creativity Nuno wants during transitions. Álvarez therefore needs to add something specific rather than simply reclaiming his old place. His return should be treated as a tactical option, not a restoration of the past. If Nuno can use his defensive instincts without slowing the side’s passing rhythm, West Ham could gain a useful squad piece without selling below value. The key question now is simple: can Álvarez turn a summer exit story into a credible first-team role? The Rush Green friendly should provide the first meaningful clue.