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Edson Alvarez has opened up on the blow of missing out on a move from Ajax to Chelsea, but the Mexico midfielder expects another top European club to come knocking.
The 25-year-old is set to be an important figure for his country at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where he will have another chance to impress possible suitors.
The former Club America player was said to have been the subject of a €50million offer from Chelsea in the last transfer window, which Ajax refused, leaving Alvarez by his own admission “very disappointed”.
Alvarez has been unable to prevent Ajax slipping to an early exit from the Champions League, but domestically they are leading the way in the Eredivisie, even after losing head coach Erik ten Hag and star winger Antony to Manchester United.
United are among the clubs to have been linked with Alvarez, who hopes the “difficult situation” of the last transfer window can be quickly forgotten.
“Of course there was interest from Chelsea. Nobody expected that they would make another offer,” Alvarez said. “Ajax really couldn’t go anywhere. They couldn’t do anything more. They didn’t have a player in my position.”
Speaking to ESPN, Alvarez said he “fought as far as I could” before committing to Ajax for this season, knowing future opportunities could arise should he again be a top performer.
He has attempted more tackles (38), contested the most duels for the ball (174) and made more interceptions (22) than any other Ajax player so far this term.
By producing on the pitch, he is keeping the door open for more transfer opportunities in the future.
“Eventually 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,” Alvarez said.
“I’ve always thought for myself that I’m here because of my love for football, but also for my family.
“On the other hand, it motivates me enormously that clubs of that size keep an eye on my matches, my actions. I am very disappointed, but I am convinced that sooner or later a big club will come for me.”
