West Ham have a sizeable squad decision looming before the January transfer window, with Edson Alvarez and Soungoutou Magassa among the players whose futures remain unresolved. Yahoo Sports, via Claret & Hugh , reported that both midfielders failed to secure exits during the summer after the club rejected offers below their valuation. Alvarez spent last season at Fenerbahce on loan after West Ham signed the Mexico international from Ajax for £35m in 2023. He returned after Fenerbahce did not make the move permanent.

Magassa joined the Hammers from Monaco in August 2025 for a reported €20m package. The France international attracted interest from Bologna and Sevilla this summer, yet West Ham kept him. Yahoo Sports reported both midfielders remained at the club as the window closed, leaving January as a negotiation point.

The situation around Alphonse Areola adds another financial question. Reports have linked the goalkeeper with an exit after he missed West Ham’s league and cup squads this season. Claret & Blue reported on September 21 that a club source said Areola had returned to training and that there was no issue from the club’s side.

His contract expires next summer, so a January sale could reduce the wage bill. Keiber Lamadrid should be viewed differently. West Ham completed his permanent move from Deportivo La Guaira in June after an initial loan, with The Standard reporting a £1m option.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of West Ham United, gestures during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between West Ham United and Wrexham at London Stadium on September 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

West Ham should now concentrate any January clearance on Alvarez and Areola rather than treating every unwanted player as a sale. Alvarez has spent a season away from London, and the summer produced no buyer willing to meet West Ham’s financial demands. Another transfer attempt makes sense because the Mexican midfielder occupies a squad and wage position that Nuno Espírito Santo can use for a better fit.

Areola presents a different calculation. If the goalkeeper remains outside the matchday group, keeping an expensive contract until next summer offers limited value. A January sale for a modest fee could remove several months of salary commitment, while the club retains other options. Still, the reported dispute with Nuno needs caution because Claret & Hugh’s September 21 update said a source denied any rift.

Magassa should stay. The 22-year-old gives Nuno a young, physical midfield option, and his versatility matters in a squad needing depth. West Ham paid a substantial fee for him last year, while his tackling, passing and ability to cover central defence are useful. Selling him for €15–20m could raise funds, but it would remove a player before his role develops.