Overview

• Fenerbahçe said it has a principle agreement with West Ham for a season-long loan and confirmed Álvarez is in Istanbul after completing medical and fitness tests.
• The deal carries a non‑mandatory option to buy, with a reported €22 million figure from Sky’s Florian Plettenberg that has not been confirmed by either club.
• Transfer reporting credits José Mourinho’s direct pursuit as a key factor in Álvarez choosing Fenerbahçe over other suitors.
• Graham Potter’s West Ham did not assure Álvarez a starting role, which drove the search for consistent minutes away from London.
• European competition was part of the appeal, with Fenerbahçe in a Champions League playoff against Benfica, even as critics such as Ricardo La Volpe call Turkey’s league a lower level.