Edson Alvarez could miss Burnley opener as West Ham exit talks intensify

Edson Álvarez could miss West Ham United’s Championship opener against Burnley as fresh uncertainty surrounds the midfielder’s future at the club. Talks are expected to continue on Saturday, with the Edson Alvarez West Ham future now potentially affecting Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans for Turf Moor.

West Ham are due to begin their league campaign at Burnley on Sunday at 4pm BST, but Álvarez’s involvement is no longer certain. The club officially list the fixture for Sunday 16 August at Turf Moor.

West Ham News & Views, citing ExWHUEmployee, report that a club are considering a move for the Mexico international and that he could potentially be left out against Burnley as discussions continue over his position.

Crucially, the report stresses that Álvarez missing the game has not been confirmed.

Edson Alvarez is thought to be potentially missing from the squad tomorrow, as question marks develop around his future.

This is not confirmed, and talks will continue regarding his place at the club.@ExWHUEmployee

Shame, but can't be helped if he doesn't want to be here! pic.twitter.com/a1RR3TRrIj

— Central (@WestHam_Central) August 15, 2026

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Edson Alvarez West Ham future could affect Burnley plans

Álvarez has been expected to leave West Ham for much of the summer.

ReadWestHam reported in July that the club were working to find another exit for Álvarez, with both the player and West Ham believed to favour a fresh start. A permanent transfer has been preferred, although another loan has also been considered.

An earlier proposed move to Köln stalled because the Bundesliga club were unable to accommodate the midfielder’s salary. ReadWestHam covered those wage complications after the clubs had discussed the basis of a season-long loan.

The latest development is more significant because it could now have an immediate effect on team selection.

Nuno is preparing for West Ham’s first Championship fixture in 14 years, and uncertainty around Álvarez leaves another midfield decision to resolve less than 24 hours before the squad travel to Turf Moor.

Tomáš Souček is already unavailable, while West Ham have also been working to complete the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic.

Álvarez would provide experience and defensive presence if selected, but involving a player who could be close to another move carries obvious complications.

No destination has yet been confirmed and there is currently no suggestion that an agreement has been reached with an interested club.

For now, Álvarez remains a West Ham player.

Whether he remains part of Nuno’s plans for Burnley should become clearer as Saturday’s talks progress.