Edson Álvarez was one of the hottest transfer prospects at Borussia Dortmund last summer. But when it came to playing poker for the Mexican, BVB was probably just too slow.
At least that’s what Tim Steidten, West Ham United’s technical director, says.
“He has a very big influence on our game. I’m very happy that Dortmund were perhaps a bit slow and I had the chance to get him,” said the German on “Sky”.
For a long time, Edson Álvarez was considered the preferred candidate of those responsible at Borussia Dortmund. But a deal didn’t come about.
The 73-time Mexican international instead moved from Ajax Amsterdam to West Ham United in the Premier League and signed a five-year contract there. 38 million euros changed hands last summer.
BVB coach Terzic against Álvarez transfer?
Allegedly, as the “WAZ” reported in July, Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic in particular spoke out against an Álvarez transfer.
The departure of Jude Bellingham should instead be compensated for with the new additions Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer. In addition, the contract with Emre Can was extended.
The 26-year-old confirmed in September that BVB had put out feelers to Álvarez. “Borussia Dortmund was a pretty concrete option,” he said on the sidelines of the Mexican international matches and added: “In the end it didn’t happen. But yes, there was a lot of effort on their part.”
The BVB bosses even traveled to the Netherlands to meet the defensive midfielder’s family, Álvarez revealed.
Statements that are surprising in that BVB sports director Sebastian Kehl emphasized in July that they were never really close to signing the Mexican. “There was not a single round of negotiations with Ajax Amsterdam,” said the Dortmund squad planner.