FC Köln chase Mexican defender Álvarez while Skhiri’s return stalls

FC Köln have agreed a move in principle for West Ham United defender Edson Álvarez, with the Mexican keen on the transfer. The club will prioritise the deal despite no fee being disclosed.

The Cathedral Club’s nickname was used as the club confirmed the agreement, and Álvarez’s enthusiasm was highlighted by the source. Florian Plettenburg reported the development.

One possible obstacle is Álvarez’s salary, which could strain Cologne’s wage structure. By contrast, the salary of any incoming Ellyes Skhiri would not pose a problem.

Tim Steidten, Cologne’s squad planner, may facilitate the signing; he previously worked at West Ham and helped bring Álvarez to England in 2023. His familiarity with the player is seen as an advantage.

The Bundesliga will not easily relinquish the Mexican talent and will fight to keep him in the league. This adds pressure on Cologne to finalize terms quickly.

For Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri, the situation means a waiting game, as the former Köln player hopes to return. Frankfurt are willing to sell him for between €1.5 million and €2 million.

Cologne’s summer has already been busy, rebuilding after Lukas Kwasniok’s departure in March 2026. The club secured Luka Lochoshvili from Nürnberg and signed Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Tom Krauß on permanent deals.

The information was supplied by Jamie Allen.