Connect with us

Transfers

“All kinds of problems” – 25-year-old relieved after collapsed Chelsea transfer last summer

Published:

on

(Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Edson Alvarez believes his failed transfer to Chelsea last summer has proven to be the best decision.

Chelsea targeted the Mexican in the final days of the transfer window as they looked to bolster their midfield and an offer was made in the remaining hours of the window.

A bid in excess of £40 million was rejected by Ajax, who had sold Antony to Manchester United earlier in the window, for the 25-year-old, because the Dutch side were unable to find a replacement with such little time left.

Alvarez, who skipped training after the failed move, was left disappointed to not get his dream move, telling ESPN in October: “Of course there was interest from Chelsea. Nobody expected that it would make another offer. It was a difficult situation. Ajax really had nowhere to go. It couldn’t do anything anymore. It didn’t have a player in my position.

“Of course I fought as far as I could. I didn’t want to do that too much either. Because I know the responsibility I have within the club. But yes, in the end you are aware that everything changes. A better competition, a better life for yourself and for your family. Because that’s what it’s all about in the end. 

“I’ve always thought to myself that I’m here because of my love for football, but also for my family. That they make it right, that I can take care of my children and my parents. So yes… On the other hand, it motivates me a lot that clubs of that size keep an eye on my games, my actions. I am very disappointed, but I am convinced that sooner or later a big club will come for me.”

Ajax have endured a difficult season of their own after finishing third in the Eredivisie. But Chelsea have experienced an even more challenging campaign, which has seen four managers sit in the dugout in a dismal season for the Blues.

Chelsea ended their Premier League campaign in 12th place and have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach in a bid to avoid a repeat next term and go on an upwards trajectory.

With the transfer window opening in less than two weeks, Alvarez could be on the move this summer amid interest from Borussia Dortmund who could require a replacement for Jude Bellingham.

He admitted that it “could be the right time to take the next step in his career”.

Alvarez also reflected on the failed Chelsea move last summer and hinted he was relieved that Ajax rejected the Blues’ attempts to sign him.

The midfielder told Voetbal International: “At first, because it felt like a mental challenge. Still, I turned the switch again afterwards, because Ajax is also a big club.

“I also believe that everything in life happens for a reason. If you see Chelsea’s season now, for example, also with all kinds of problems, then maybe it should have been that way. And this season, however difficult, has also been educational for me.”

Trending