VI Disputes Reports of Unattainable Álvarez Pursuit: ”If Ajax Had Reported, It Could Have Been Realistic”
Lays caps – 02 Sep 2025, 23:54 (Last updated: 02 Sep 2025, 23:54)
reports suggesting Edson Álvarez’s move too Ajax was quickly deemed unachievable are being challenged by journalist Tim van Duijn, appearing on the live transfer deadline show of Football International. Van Duijn asserts the situation was far from hopeless, especially if Ajax had acted more decisively.
Álvarez ultimately ended up on loan with an option to buy at Fenerbahçe, after limited prospects at West Ham United. his representatives had offered the player to Ajax, hoping for a return to the club.However, the deal stalled due to financial complexities.
According to De Telegraaf, the club viewed initial reports of Ajax’s interest with “surprise,” stating, “He was indeed discussed. Not more, because it soon became clear that his arrival – partly due to his spacious Premier League salary – was unattainable.” The newspaper further suggested Ajax’s interest was used to create a sense of urgency with other potential suitors.
Van Duijn strongly disagrees with this assessment. “Álvarez is the player they wanted and that was really not as hopeless as how they want it now,” he stated. He explained that while there was interest, progress was contingent on completing outgoing transfers.
“At a certain point it trickled through, then we checked it and said: it is not yet an issue, because players have to leave first,” Van Duijn continued. The club was simultaneously pursuing the departures of Ahmetcan Kaplan, Sivert Mannverk, and Brian Brobbey, but these transfers took longer than anticipated.Van Duijn believes a more proactive approach from Ajax could have yielded a different outcome. “If they had reported [made a bid], they could have been able to get the price down and would it have been much more realistic,” he said. “There was also just spoken with Álvarez. We have spoken to several people about it and there is no one who said: forget it, as it is indeed hopeless.”
