Mourinho gets his man - Another Premier League star moves to Turkey

Mourinho’s Fenerbahce close to loan deal for West Ham midfielder

Fenerbahce are on the verge of signing West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez on loan, with an option to buy, as José Mourinho looks to equip his squad ahead of the new Super Lig campaign.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Mexican international will travel to Turkey today (Thursday) for medical tests before completing the move.

Romano reports that the deal will initially be a season-long loan, but includes a buy option clause that could see Álvarez make the switch permanent next summer.

West Ham paid £35 million ($47m) to sign Álvarez from Ajax in 2023. However, despite his versatility and experience, he has struggled to cement a long-term role and is no longer in new head coach Graham Potter’s plans.

Since joining the Hammers, the 27-year-old has made 73 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

While primarily a defensive midfielder, Álvarez has also featured in central midfield and even filled in once at centre-back.

Reports suggest that Mourinho played a key role in pushing Fenerbahce to pursue the deal, viewing Álvarez as an ideal fit for his side’s midfield.

The move comes after West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Sunderland, where Potter’s midfield was criticised as looking “old and slow.”

The club must now decide whether to sign a replacement defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Álvarez’s departure raises fresh questions about West Ham’s transfer strategy under Potter.