Could Borussia Dortmund get another chance at signing Edson Álvarez?

Last summer, Mexico international Edson Álvarez was one of the many players on Dortmund’s rumored wishlist ahead of the 2023/24 season. The defensive midfielder, at least by some at the club, was seen as the perfect reinforcement to help bolster the clubs ranks in the center of the park. 

As we’ve come to learn, this deal was actually quite close to coming to fruition. From the information we have, it was head coach Edin Terzić that opted against a deal, and instead pinned his trust on current Dortmund captain Emre Can. This choice has on many ways spoken for itself, but not in the way that Terzić would have hoped. Can being one of the clubs general under-performers throughout the campaign. 

According to reports however, Dortmund may get another chance at Álvarez who may look to leave West Ham if they do not qualify for European competition. Álvarez has become one of the first names on the Hammers team sheet, but in interviews since the summer has shared his bewilderment regarding the failed deal to join Dortmund:

"Everything was clarified, the salary, they had got me a house, even taken care of schools for my children…That's how things are in life sometimes. But I still don't understand it to this day."

- Edson Álvarez

According to the reports, Dortmund would have to dish out closer to 40-50 million euros to complete the deal, which in itself, even with the club’s earnings from their current semi-final place in the Champions League as well as qualification for the Club World Cup in 2025 would be a very tall order to fulfill. You also have to take into account the damaged rapport between the player and club after such a bewildering situation took place last summer. 

This is also compounded by the fact that Edin Terzić looks likely to be Dortmund’s head coach next season, and I find it hard to believe that he has changed his mind about his captain, Can, who he has backed all season long. Can’s departure would have to be an option for Dortmund for them to think about bringing in a player like Álvarez. 

While Álvarez has surely shown his quality at West Ham, the extensive nature of Dortmund’s coming rebuild really diminishes the chances of the club spending that much on one position in the starting 11. It also would clearly depend on Dortmund’s qualification for the Champions League next season. At this time, I’d wager that we shouldn’t hold our breath regarding any developments, but it would indeed be bemusing to see Dortmund go through with such a deal one year after the initial negotiations were so close to developing into a tangible contract.