Newcastle United are reportedly set to submit a last-minute €40 million bid to sign Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax.
According to football journalist Kery, Newcastle United are plotting a last-ditch attempt to sign 24-year-old Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez from reigning Ajax. The Magpies are set to table a fresh, improved, and final proposal worth €40 million on transfer deadline day to lure the Eredivisie outfit into selling their prized asset.
Newcastle have already had a £25 million bid knocked back for the highly-rated enforcer by Ajax. However, it is previously reported that Eddie Howe is a big admirer of his talent, and wants to bring the Mexican midfielder to St. James’ Park. That could see the Newcastle chiefs making another push for the midfielder before the September 1 deadline.
Alvarez joined Ajax from Mexican outfit Club America in the summer of 2019 and is now proving to be a bargain purchase, with a host of clubs interested in paying triple of Ajax’s initial investment to secure his services.
The 24-year-old has proven himself a rock-solid presence in front of the defence in recent seasons and is coming off his best season to date, notching up 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals in the process. In total, Alvarez has played 106 games for Ajax and is under contract for another three years.
Newcastle are keen to add more quality to their midfield unit despite performing beyond everyone’s expectations since the turn of the year. Eddie Howe has brought about a cultural and philosophical change at the club, with the Northeast giants aiming to break into the European spots and be a nuisance to the usual big hitters.
Given Jonjo Shelvey’s absence, Newcastle United are a body light in midfield with Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff the only backup options to Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, and Joelinton. There have been rumours of moves for Manu Kone and Conor Gallagher. But neither has transpired yet, as the Magpies’ search for a new midfielder continues ahead of the end of the transfer window.
Newcastle need someone who can play as the No. 6, sitting in front of the defence and screening the backline. Bruno Guimaraes is currently doing so, but his progressive and line-breaking attributes mean he can make an even bigger impact further up the pitch.
Alvarez is a very defensive-minded player who can read the game and regain possession while snuffing out the danger with little fuss. He is also very good with the ball at his feet and scores the odd clutch goal at the other end of the pitch. Indeed, the Mexican international would be an exciting addition to Howe’s side, but a deal seems very unlikely.
Ajax have lately been battle-hardened negotiators, turning down Manchester United’s latest offer of €90 million for Antony. Having lost so many key players this summer, they would not want to lose another one in Alvarez, who is key to their system for breaking up the play and halting counter-attacks.
