West Ham United's attempts to move on Mexico captain Edson Alvarez have taken a fresh twist, with Olympiacos reportedly entering the running for the Championship club's defensive midfielder just as a deal with Real Sociedad appeared close to conclusion.

Greek interest complicates the picture

According to a report from Sport 24 (with an English translation available), Olympiacos have submitted a formal offer for the 28-year-old. The development is significant because West Ham were already said to have reached an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad over the Mexican international, making the Greek side's involvement an unexpected complication in what looked like a tidy piece of outgoing business for the Hammers.

The precise financial details of Olympiacos's offer have not been disclosed, and it is not yet understood whether their bid matches or exceeds whatever figure Real Sociedad have agreed in principle. West Ham will now need to weigh up the merits of both options, including structure, timing and any sell-on arrangements, before committing to one route.

What Alvarez's exit would mean for West Ham

Alvarez arrived at the club with a considerable reputation, having been a cornerstone of Club America's midfield and a key figure for the Mexican national side. His profile as a deep-lying ball-winner gave West Ham a physically imposing presence in the middle of the park, but the club appears to have decided that offloading him suits their current needs, with head coach Nuno having publicly called for more attacking reinforcements.

Shifting Alvarez's wages off the books would in theory free up room to pursue those forward-line additions before the window closes. The timing is therefore critical: with deadline day approaching, any prolonged tug-of-war between two suitors risks delaying business that the club clearly want to complete.

Real Sociedad still in the frame

Despite Olympiacos's intervention, the earlier report of an agreement with Real Sociedad has not been contradicted. It is understood that the Spanish club's interest remains live, and they may well have the advantage of a head start in negotiations. Whether Olympiacos's offer is substantial enough to cause West Ham to reopen discussions, or whether it simply puts the Hammers in a stronger position to refine the terms of an existing deal, remains to be seen.

For West Ham supporters already anxious about the direction of this Championship campaign, the saga around Alvarez is one more subplot in what has been a turbulent summer window. The club have already seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka depart on a loan-to-buy arrangement and Niclas Fullkrug head to Werder Bremen on loan, while Joel Piroe has come in for a medical as Nuno attempts to reshape the squad for life in the second tier.

Eyes on the window

How the Alvarez situation resolves itself could have a direct bearing on West Ham's ability to act in the final days of the window. If a sale is concluded swiftly, the proceeds and wage relief may accelerate any remaining incoming business. If it drags on, or collapses entirely, the club could find themselves carrying a player they are keen to move while simultaneously chasing further additions.

West Ham fans will be watching developments closely. After a difficult start to the Championship season, the squad's shape before the window shuts is arguably the most pressing matter off the pitch, and the Alvarez subplot is central to it.

Frequently asked

Has Edson Alvarez left West Ham?
Not yet. According to reports, West Ham have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad, but Olympiacos have now also submitted an offer, so no deal has been confirmed as complete.
Why are West Ham selling Edson Alvarez?
West Ham appear to be using the transfer window to reshape their squad for the Championship. Moving Alvarez would free up wages and squad space, with head coach Nuno publicly seeking more attacking reinforcements.
Which clubs want to sign Edson Alvarez?
According to recent reports, both Real Sociedad and Olympiacos are interested in the West Ham midfielder, with Real Sociedad said to have an agreement in principle and Olympiacos having now made a formal offer.