Several Team Mexico stars on tenterhooks as they await their fate in Europe

For the second consecutive summer, Mexico midfielder/defender Edson Álvarez is watching a desirable transfer disintegrate. Or is he?

Word leaked Thursday that Borussia Dortmund had ended negotiations to bring the 25-year-old Tlalnepantla native to the Bundesliga.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1674435330303463429

Just a week earlier, reports that Álvarez had agreed to terms of a deal with the Germans made headlines across the football landscape, in Mexico and Europe.

This transaction suggested Dortmund had outbid other clubs, including Bayern Munich.

Might the Premier League beckon?

So the German giants had Álvarez’s signature on the dotted line, but could not come to terms with Ajax on a buy-out fee. Mexican sports daily Record wrote that the Dutch club had raised its asking price as negotiations advanced, a development that did not please Dortmund.

“El Machín” left Mexico for Amsterdam four years ago, helping Ajax win two Eredivisie titles as well as a Netherlands Cup and a league Super Cup.

Unlike last summer when deals with Chelsea and Valencia fell through – the collapse of the Chelsea transfer was a particularly tough blow – Edson could still be on the way out of the Johan Cruyff Arena.

90Min is reporting that the EPL could be a potential destination, as West Ham is in need of a defensive midfielder after selling England star Declan Rice to Arsenal.

In the meantime, Álvarez will focus on helping Mexico win its first Gold Cup in four years.

Headed back to Mexico?

Two other Mexicans playing in Holland might be looking for new homes.

Edson’s teammate Jorge Sánchez (also his compañero at América) has been informed that Ajax no longer desires his services. Where he goes next – a loan deal to a Portuguese club? – is yet to be determined.

A bit south at PSV Eindhoven, Erick Gutiérrez is packing his bags.

The decision to leave after five years in the Eredivisie is primarily his as the 28-year-old midfielder says he “feels shame in front of his kids at not being a starter.” This was especially galling to him after the Dutch press hailed him in April as “King of Eindhoven.” Then his playing time dried up.

“Guti” won’t be leaving “The Boeren” empty-handed. The Pachuca product has helped “The Red-and-Whites” win two Netherlands Cups and two domestic Super Cups.

Heading into the weekend and Opening Night in Liga MX, social media was abuzz with stories that Gutiérrez was on the verge of returning to Mexico to sign with Guadalajara.

Yet another Mexico star penning a saga in the Netherlands

After a record-setting debut season in Europe that lifted his profile, young striker Santi Giménez appears destined for another year in the Eredivisie.

The 22-year-old “Bebote” set a record for most goals by a Mexican in his first season in Europe. His 23 goals surpassed the previous high of 20 tallies established by  “Chicharito” Hernández (Manchester United, 2010-2011) and Luis García (Altético de Madrid, 1992-93).

Santi’s scoring helped Feyenoord claim its first Eredivisie title since 2017. In doing so, “Chaquito” attracted the attention of several big clubs. As the transfer window opened, Santi was linked to several European giants, including Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla and even Juventus.

Now it appears that Santi – presently with Team Mexico battling Henry Martín for the starting striker spot at the Gold Cup – will spend another season with Feyenoord.

Over in Spain …

Mexico defender César Montes – currently serving a three-game suspension for his role in starting a melee during El Tri’s embarrassing loss to Team USA – is wondering where he might be playing after the summer.

Montes spent last season with Espanyol but the Catalan club was demoted at the end of the LaLiga season. “Los Pericos” are looking to offload contracts now that they are in second division, but they will not be carrying out a fire sale.

Mallorca manager Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre would like nothing more than to add Montes to his back line. Aguirre coached the 26-year-old defender at Monterrey a few seasons ago.

However, the deal has hit a sticking point as Mallorca is unwilling to meet the asking price so there will be no reunion unless Aguirre can coach his bosses to open their pocketbook.

One final Mexico player – winger Orbelín Pineda – is waiting to discover his fate and the decision involves another LaLiga club.

Pineda thrived on loan to AEK Athens this past season, contributing 10 goals and 4 assists to help The Yellow-Blacks win their 13th Greek Super League title.

Recently, AEK announced their interest in making Pineda’s stay permanent and submitted an offer to Celta de Vigo, the club that owns his rights. Earlier, there had been rumors that the Spanish club might loan Pineda out again – to Panathainakos – but for now, the Guerrero native will have to wait and see where he’ll play this coming season.