Sven Mislintat firmly expected Edson Álvarez to join Borussia Dortmund

Ajax director of football Sven Mislintat has admitted that he expected Edson Álvarez to join Borussia Dortmund before his move to West Ham United.

Borussia Dortmund were interested in bolstering their midfield ranks with the signing of Edson Álvarez. Multiple reports claimed that an agreement had already been reached on personal terms. But the move ultimately collapsed, with the BVB bosses deciding to go with Emre Can as their starting defensive midfielder for the season.

Sven Mislintat, who is the director of football at Ajax, has now revealed that negotiations between BVB and Álvarez were at an advanced stage. But the Black and Yellows never submitted an official offer for the Mexico international. In an interview with Kicker, Mislintat said:

"“Dortmund and the Alvarez party were extremely far along in their talks, to my knowledge. I firmly expected Borussia to sign him.”“As far as the two clubs are concerned, however, I have to state clearly: there was never an official offer from Borussia to us. In my opinion, Edson is one of the best defensive midfielders on the market who was available for a rationally justifiable price.”"

Borussia Dortmund were looking to bring in Álvarez as their first-choice defensive midfielder, and it was thought that he could replace Emre Can in the team. But the BVB bosses made a U-turn in the end, and decided to extend Can’s contract. The Germany international was even appointed club captain last month.

After his proposed move to Borussia Dortmund collapsed, Edson Álvarez moved to West Ham United for a fee in the region of 40 million euros. The 25 year old made his debut for the English Premier League side last weekend, and helped them earn a 3-1 win over Chelsea.