Valencia eyes signing Edson Álvarez and Erik Lira for January market

Valencia is considering adding the Mexican internationals Edson Álvarez and Erik Lira in the January market, after the meeting between sporting director Braulio Vázquez and European representative Tarek Sebiat in Paterna.

Details of the possible signings

Álvarez, 28, is under contract with West Ham until 2028 and can play as a pivot or centre‑back, which would give manager Javier Aguirre options in two positions. The English club paid €38 million to Ajax in 2023, which makes a direct purchase complicated; a six‑month loan is being considered, similar to the deal already accepted with Fenerbahçe.

Lira, 26, is under contract with Cruz Azul until 2029 and his market value is around €14 million. He is a regular starter for Mexico, which makes a mid‑season exit difficult. He was close to signing for Monaco, but the deal did not materialise.

Context and reactions

Álvarez requested his departure from West Ham in August, when Real Sociedad showed interest, and still has no playing time in London. He has only featured in one match this season, in the first round of the EFL Cup, and has not been selected in any of the nine league rounds.

After the meeting, Sebiat commented on Lira cautiously: «He is a good player, no further comments». The talk opens a market line, but does not confirm that Valencia has made an offer nor that there is an agreement with West Ham or with Cruz Azul.

The next step will be to determine whether the contact between StayPro and the sporting director translates into formal talks with the clubs involved. Álvarez appears the most viable route; Lira’s future will depend on Cruz Azul’s demands and Valencia’s financial capacity.