One of the world’s most popular footballers is on his way to the Premier League. On Thursday, West Ham United announced that they’d come to an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of “Chicharito” Javier Hernandez.
‘Chicharito’ Javier Hernandez returning to Premier League with West Ham United
Mexico’s all-time leading scorer is on the move to London.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Chicharito has spent his last two seasons in Germany, scoring 39 goals in 76 games across all competitions for Bayer. However, 26 of those goals came in his first season, so Bayer was happy to cash in after the 29-year-old had a down year. West Ham will pay a reported £13 million.
Hernandez started his career at his hometown club Chivas de Guadalajara before moving to Manchester United. His first three seasons were very productive, but a downturn in his fourth year led to a loan to Real Madrid, then his sale to Bayer. Chicharito recently became Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Jared Borgetti’s 46 goals.
Because Hernandez is a pure goal-poacher who doesn’t offer much else, he can’t be depended on to start every match. But he’s extremely useful situationally, and West Ham doesn’t have another player like him. Despite his age and lack of versatility, £13 million isn’t much to pay for someone who reliably scores goals, especially given that he’ll help West Ham commercially as well.
