As reported by Bild, Borussia Dortmund have placed a €30m bid for Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez.
However, Ajax are in no rush to sell their Mexican midfielder with Álvarez’s contract valid with the Dutch club until 2025. It is expected that Dortmund’s offer will be rejected with Ajax demanding €45m-€50m for Álvarez.
The 25-year-old is the number one target for Die Schwarzgelben this summer and it is expected that they will pull off Álvarez’s signing with the defensive midfielder holding out for the move over other offers. However, Ajax would also consider another offer as Europa Conference League winners West Ham are monitoring the situation with them perceiving Álvarez to be the perfect replacement for the departing Declan Rice.
While Dortmund are on the hunt to reinforce their midfield after influential midfielder Jude Bellingham completed his move to Real Madrid, Álvarez would offer a different profile to that of the Englishman. Álvarez could be seen as more of an upgrade on Emre Can, who is also expected to leave Dortmund this summer, as the Mexican can play in the midfield and as a central defender.
Álvarez’s signing would not mean that Dortmund will conclude their transfer business with the Black and Yellow’s remaining highly interested in Wolfsburg midfielder Felix Nmecha. Nevertheless, if Ajax’s demands are too high for Álvarez then Morten Hjulmand of Lecce would be considered for just €15 million.
GGFN | Will Shopland
