Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has handed in a transfer request to West Ham United in an attempt to force a late move to Sevilla.
Sevilla have made an official statement to confirm that they have signed Javier Hernandez from West Ham United. The former Manchester United striker has signed a three-year deal with Los Nervionenses to complete his return to Spain.
West Ham were reportedly holding out for a fee of £8 million, which is marginally higher than the £7 million Sevilla were prepared to offer. However, Hernandez handed in a transfer request to force the Hammers to make an immediate decision, especially with the European transfer market slamming shut on Monday.
Besides, Hernandez’s current contract was set to expire at the end of this season, meaning West Ham could have potentially lost the former Manchester United superstar for free next summer if they failed to sanction a departure by the European deadline day. Hence, it was perhaps wiser for the Londoners to cash-in on whatever value Chicharito had remaining.
And, the player expressed his delight upon his unveiling, saying, “I have no doubts, only positive thoughts. I was speaking about it with my agent, about how it is a great opportunity. I know the responsibility that is required and I am excited.”
“It’s a pity that there’s an international break now because I would have liked to get started straight away, but I am happy to be here because I like the project and the ambition of the club. That’s why I chose to come here.”
Hernandez joined West Ham in 2017 following a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. However, since his return to England, the striker has struggled with injuries and a lack of game-time. The former Manchester United striker has accumulated a total of only 30 starts in the Premier League within the past couple of seasons.
And following the arrival of Sebastien Haller, it was unlikely the Mexican international was going to have any future at West Ham. The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has already gotten off to a dream start in England, scoring three goals in three matches. In addition, the Hammers have also signed Albian Ajeti, further reducing the importance of Hernandez.
Hence, a move away from London Stadium made sense for the ex-Manchester United superstar. And Sevilla, in that regard, were an ideal suitor. The Spanish giants have had an overhaul in attack, following the departure of Wissam Ben Yedder while Andre Silva’s loan spell expired at the end of last season.
Los Nervionenses did sign Luuk de Jong and Munas Dabbur. But, neither striker has any experience of playing in the Spanish top flight. As a result, signing another striker was reportedly a priority for the Spanish club, with Barcelona B star Abel Ruiz also linked with a move to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium lately.
Hernandez, though, could be a sensible signing for Sevilla as they aim to return among the Spanish elites after a disappointing 2018-19 campaign. It will now be interesting to see if Hernandez can return to top form in Spain after a stuttering spell with West Ham.
