---
title: "Nuno’s surprise decision changed everything for £35m West Ham outcast"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/08/nunos-surprise-decision-changed-everything-for-35m-west-ham-outcast/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-08-08T20:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-08T20:45:00Z"
---

# Nuno’s surprise decision changed everything for £35m West Ham outcast

**Edson Álvarez appeared to be heading for the West Ham exit door this summer. One surprise selection from Nuno Espírito Santo has suddenly made his future far less straightforward.**

The Mexico international returned to the starting XI for Saturday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth after spending last season on loan at Fenerbahçe.

West Ham have explored another exit during the transfer window, but Álvarez now has an opportunity to prove he can still play an important role in the club’s promotion push.

> Even though he probably was lucky to not be sent off, it was really good seeing Edson Alvarez in the team.\
> \
> I thought he played really well today and he could form a strong partnership with Engels if West Ham can get that deal done.\
> \
> 👏🏻⚒️ [#WHUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#COYI](https://x.com/hashtag/COYI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/euSN4QBBTu](https://t.co/euSN4QBBTu)
>
> — West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews\_) [August 8, 2026](https://x.com/WestHamViews_/status/2086137378364621193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Edson Alvarez West Ham return changes the picture

Few would have expected Álvarez to start West Ham’s first competitive game of the season.

[ReadWestHam highlighted his surprise inclusion when Nuno named the team against Portsmouth](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/08/west-ham-vs-portsmouth-nuno-makes-surprise-call-in-confirmed-xi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the 28-year-old lining up in midfield alongside Mohamadou Kanté and Lewis Orford.

Álvarez almost marked his return with a goal when he met a Jarrod Bowen corner during the first half, although his header was saved.

[West Ham’s official match coverage](https://www.whufc.com/en/matches/mens-team/west-ham-united-fc-v-portsmouth-fc-league-cup-20260808?utm_source=chatgpt.com) confirmed Álvarez remained involved as Nuno’s side recovered from falling behind to secure a comfortable 3-1 victory.

It was not a performance that suddenly erases the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The significance came from Nuno trusting him at all.

## £35m midfielder was expected to leave West Ham

Álvarez has spent much of the summer facing an uncertain future.

West Ham paid Ajax around £35million for the midfielder in 2023, but he fell out of the first-team picture before spending last season with Fenerbahçe.

Another departure appeared likely following relegation.

[ReadWestHam previously reported that the Hammers were prepared to sell Álvarez](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/07/west-ham-united-ready-to-sell-midfielder-edson-alvarez/), while a potential move to Germany later ran into problems over personal terms.

Yet the situation surrounding Nuno’s squad has changed considerably.

West Ham have lost experienced players this summer and now face a 46-game Championship campaign in which depth will be crucial.

Álvarez may carry significant wages, but he also brings Premier League, European and international experience to a squad expected to challenge immediately for promotion.

[The Guardian’s report from the Portsmouth victory](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/08/west-ham-portsmouth-carabao-cup-first-round-match-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com) also noted Álvarez’s return following his season in Turkey as Nuno blended experienced players with several younger options.

## Nuno now has a decision to make

Selling Álvarez could still make financial sense.

A suitable offer would create more room in the wage budget and potentially give West Ham additional money to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.

But Nuno no longer needs to view an exit as the only useful outcome.

The Championship is unforgiving. Injuries, suspensions and a relentless schedule will test even the strongest squads, while Álvarez has already demonstrated he can operate at a considerably higher level.

[West Ham’s 3-1 win over Portsmouth](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/08/west-ham-3-1-portsmouth-taty-bags-double-as-hammers-ease-through/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) offered the first competitive glimpse of how Nuno intends to approach the season.

Álvarez being part of it was difficult to ignore.

A few weeks ago, West Ham appeared to be searching for his next club. After Nuno handed him an unexpected competitive return, the question has changed.

Perhaps the £35million outcast still has a part to play.