Edson Álvarez to join West Ham: which Mexican players have played in the Premier League?
Javier Hernández is the most high-profile figure to have starred in England, playing for both Manchester United and The Hammers.
Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez is on the verge of signing for Premier League side West Ham United, who won the second edition of the Europa Conference League last summer. The 25-year-old will join a select group of Mexican players who have featured in what many consider to be the strongest domestic league in world soccer.
Who was the first Mexican to play in England?
Jared Borgetti was the first man from the North American nation to make the move to England, joining Bolton Wanderers in 2005 and making 19 league appearances (two goals) in a single season in the English top flight.
The Santos Laguna legend has been followed by the likes of Carlos Vela, who started his career in the Arsenal youth team, and another striker, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who was until this month the only Mexican to have signed for two Premier League clubs - Manchester United (2010-2015) and West Ham (2017-2019). He has now been joined by Raúl Jiménez, who signed for Fulham last month following a five-year spell with Wolves.
How many Mexican players have played in the Premier League?
Álvarez will become the 11th Mexican national to play in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of these 10:
- Jared Borgetti - Bolton Wanderers (2005-06)
- Carlos Vela - Arsenal (2005-2012)
- Nery Castillo - Manchester City (2008-09)
- Giovanni dos Santos - Tottenham Hotspur (2008-12)
- Guillermo Franco - West Ham United (2009-2010)
- Javier Hernández- Manchester United (2010-2015) and West Ham United (2017-2019)
- Carlos Salcido - Fulham (2010-2012)
- Pablo Barrera - West Ham United (2010-2012)
- Miguel Layun - Watford (2014-2015)
- Raúl Jiménez - Wolves (2018-2023) and Fulham (2023-present)
How much will West Ham pay for Álvarez?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Ajax and West Ham have already reached an agreement for the transfer of Álvarez, who will join the ‘Hammers’ to cover the departure of Declan Rice, who moved recently to Arsenal. The deal is expected to conclude for approximately $43 million, with the midfielder poised to travel to the English capital and undergo a medical.
Which Mexican has played the most Premier League games and scored the most goals?
Chicharito is not only El Tri’s all-time record goalscorer but he has also made more Premier League appearances (158) and scored more goals (53) than any other Mexican. Jiménez is second on the list with 40 goals in 135 matches.