Newcastle United have been linked with signing Edson Alvarez from Ajax this summer, but it won’t be happening now.
That’s the view of the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who believes the Mexico international will prove to be too expensive for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe is looking for a new midfielder before the transfer window closes – ideally someone who can play as a ‘six’.
That’s where Jonjo Shelvey plays, but he’s currently out of action due to injury. He might not return until after the World Cup.
Bruno Guimaraes has been playing in his place, but is better suited to a more advanced role. And he too is now suffering with injury.
It’s left Newcastle light in midfield, which is why talk of a move for Alvarez was so exciting.
However, while Waugh admits he’s a player the Magpies like, he doesn’t think a transfer to St James’ Park will happen before the deadline on September 1st.
Waugh on Alvarez to Newcastle
Speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, Waugh addressed the rumours of Newcastle wanting to sign the 24-year-old.
“They’ve looked at a few different players,” he said.
“Edson Alvarez at Ajax they like. But I don’t think they’re going to be able to afford him permanently this window. So I don’t see that one necessarily happening.”
Permanent deal always felt unlikely
It’s disappointing to hear that a move to Newcastle for Alvarez isn’t on the cards. However, it always felt like a long shot, especially after the Alexander Isak deal.
The club broke their transfer record last week to sign the Swede, who arrived for an initial £59million. It was a huge statement of intent from the owners, after previous claims that there wasn’t that much money left to spend.
They broke the bank to bring in Isak, and it would take another big fee to sign Alvarez. It was reported late last week that Newcastle were going to offer £34million to sign the midfielder.
However, it looks like he isn’t heading to Tyneside. It’s a shame given how talented he is, and how much he fits the bill of what we’re looking for in a midfielder.
But instead, it seems as if Newcastle will be scouring the loan market before the transfer window closes.
Hopefully we have at least one more arrival – two if we’re being greedy. But regardless, it seems as though a move for Alvarez is off the table for now.