Ajax open talks to re-sign Edson Álvarez from West Ham

Ajax have intensified their efforts to bring former midfielder Edson Álvarez back to Amsterdam, with sporting director Jordi Cruijff already holding initial discussions with the Mexico international's representatives.

According to De Telegraaf, Ajax view the 28-year-old as one of their leading options to strengthen the defensive midfield position ahead of the new Eredivisie season. While interest in Álvarez is longstanding, completing a deal with West Ham United is expected to prove far from straightforward.

The report describes a potential transfer as "complicated", forcing Ajax to explore several possible structures in order to make an agreement financially viable.

Real Sociedad are also in the race for the midfielder and have already submitted a proposal to West Ham, increasing the urgency for Ajax as they attempt to move negotiations forward.

Cruijff has already responded by opening dialogue with Álvarez's camp, but any formal bid is likely to depend on Ajax first creating room in their transfer budget.

Álvarez has regularly been linked with a return to the Johan Cruijff ArenA since leaving Ajax for West Ham in 2023.

The Mexican international has remained highly regarded within the club, particularly during periods when Ajax lacked an established holding midfielder. Club officials also explored a reunion during last winter's transfer window, although a deal ultimately failed to materialise due to the circumstances surrounding Álvarez's temporary spell at Fenerbahçe.

His familiarity with the club, combined with his leadership qualities and experience at the highest level, continues to make him an attractive option for Ajax's recruitment team.

One of the biggest obstacles remains the financial package required to convince West Ham to sell.

According to De Telegraaf, the Premier League club are seeking around €15 million for the midfielder. Ajax are currently expected to generate funds through outgoing transfers before they can meet that valuation.

An alternative route could involve money still owed by West Ham from the original transfer agreement.

The English club reportedly still owe Ajax €14 million from the €38 million deal agreed in 2023. Although that outstanding balance could potentially be used during negotiations, the report suggests Ajax would rather build their own transfer budget through player sales than accelerate those payment arrangements.

Álvarez would immediately add experience, physicality and defensive stability to Ajax's midfield, an area the club has identified as a priority this summer. However, securing his signature will depend not only on negotiations with West Ham but also on Ajax's ability to complete outgoing transfers in the coming weeks.

With Real Sociedad also pushing to reach an agreement, Ajax may have limited time to turn their long-standing interest into a concrete deal.

Ajax's immediate priority is to generate transfer funds through outgoing deals before deciding whether to submit an official offer. At the same time, West Ham will assess interest from multiple clubs, while Real Sociedad's proposal could accelerate negotiations. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether Álvarez returns to Amsterdam or continues his career elsewhere.