In the world of football, transfers are a common occurrence. However, not all moves go as planned. One such instance is the case of Premier League (PL) star Edson Alvarez, who recently detailed how his anticipated move to Chelsea was blocked by Ajax at the last moment.
Alvarez, currently West Ham United midfielder, revealed that he was on the brink of signing with Chelsea. He even had an aircraft waiting for him to seal this deal before Ajax intervened. This revelation came after his £35 million transfer from Ajax to West Ham.
The Hammers acquired Alvarez in a deal worth around £35 million during last summer's transfer window. This move followed their sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal in a whopping £105 million deal which left manager David Moyes looking for ways to bolster his midfield options.
Alvarez is starting to find feet in Premier League
Since joining West Ham, 26-year-old Alvarez has made quite an impact in English football. In his debut season alone, he has made 35 appearances and scored two goals - one each in the Premier League matches and Europa League matches.
However, as per Alvarez's account, things could have taken a different turn had it not been for Ajax's intervention at the eleventh hour.
West Ham midfielder, Edson Alvarez, said:
“Actually, in year three [at Ajax], I had to go to Chelsea, the plane was waiting for me at the airport, When Ajax told me, You know what: you’re not going.”
“Whether people believe it or not, it doesn’t make any difference to me, I’m the one who is here and the one who is living it. I was an hour away from getting on the plane and going to sign for Chelsea. Ajax told me: ‘You’re not going’. So, you’re not leaving, what do you do? There’s no way you’re leaving.”
According to Alvarez himself, he was merely “one hour away” from boarding an aircraft bound for Stamford Bridge when Ajax decided that he would not be leaving their ranks after all.
The Mexican carried his form at Ajax despite disappointment
This decision did not sit well with him especially considering other players were allowed transfers while he wasn't due to lack of immediate replacement options within Ajax squad - making it “extra hard” according to Nathan van Kooperen.
Alvarez remained an integral part of the Ajax squad during the 2022-23 campaign. He made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
Despite the failed Chelsea transfer, Alvarez's career continues to flourish at West Ham. As of now, he is set to stay at the London Stadium until 2028.
While Alvarez's move to Chelsea was thwarted by Ajax, it seems that his journey has been far from hindered. His performance both at Ajax and West Ham testifies to his resilience and adaptability in face of unexpected challenges - a trait that sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike can appreciate.
