Scottish Premiership champions Celtic reportedly wanted to sign Liga MX defender Edson Alvarez from Club America.
Celtic’s hopes of making Edson Alvarez their joint-record signing look to be over.
A Mexican international who shone at last year’s World Cup, Alvarez has been heavily linked with the Scottish Premiership champions in recent months and The Sun reported that he would cost an eye-watering £9 million.
On paper, though, the Club America star looked worth every penny. A versatile, commanding and stylish player who is equally comfortable at centre-back or in defensive midfield, Alvarez could have filled the void left by the impending departure of Dedryck Boyata.
And, blessed with a terrific passing range and plenty of thrust in the tackle, the 21-year-old looked like a potential long-term successor for Scott Brown too.
Unfortunately, however, Celtic will now be forced to look elsewhere. Because Alvarez has now put an end to speculation over his future by signing a lucrative new contract with Club America, committing his future to the Liga MX outfit until 2022.
This might not please Mexico national team coach Tata Martino, who was keen to see Alvarez follow Hirving Lozano, Erik Gutierrez and co to Europe.
“If I had to choose a player who is ready to make the jump, it would be Edson Álvarez,” the former Barcelona boss told OneFootball in March.
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