Southampton FC Join Chase for Mexico International Javier Hernandez
Mexican International Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez looks set for a return to England following a tumultuous season on loan at Real Madrid.
Premier League side’s West Ham and Stoke City already interested, Southampton FC have joined the chase as Ronald Koeman looks to strengthen the attack prior to next season. Southampton sit sixth in the Premier League table and are looking to qualify for their first ever continental competition.
More from Premier League
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Failing to feature thus far in the Spanish capital, Hernandez has begun to voice his growing frustration. The Mexican star has already stated his lack of confidence thanks to his bench warmer status with the side.
While fellow Premier League sides Stoke City and West Ham have also expressed interest in the Manchester United player, Southampton could have the advantage of European Competition to offer in an expected deal.
With Southampton FC already famous for their development of young players, the Saints will attempt to restore the confidence of the 26-year old forward.
With Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal keen to rid his squad of Chicharito, Southampton find themselves in the right place at the right time. With the lack of goals from Graziano Pelle and Shane Long, Hernandez would give Southampton the firepower it needs to compete in Europe.
Having lead the Mexico attack for years, Hernandez’s role was never in question until last season. The lack of first team soccer under David Moyes at United almost led to him being dropped from the Mexican national team for the World Cup.
Though his form for Mexico has almost always been good, Hernandez has failed to make a major impact at the club level since leaving Guadalajara for Manchester United in 2010.
He was loaned to Real Madrid at the start of the season after Louis van Gaal deemed him as dead weight. Failing to make a major impact at Real Madrid has led many to believe his days with the world’s top clubs are over.
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Even if Southampton do not finish top four, the side is surely set to finish in the top seven. With Chelsea already having won the Capital One Cup, both the fifth and sixth place finishers in the Premier League will be heading for the Europa League.
Should Arsenal win the FA Cup, their current position will allow the seventh place side in the table to qualify for the Europa League. With Southampton having a ten point lead on eighth place Swansea City, the side is almost guaranteed to finish no lower than seventh.
Continental Competition could be just what the side needs to sign Hernandez from Manchester United. If Hernandez can find the form he had many years ago, his addition at the South Coast side could propel the Saints into the Champions League.
With Jay Rodriguez expected to leave the side this summer, Southampton may have found the answer to their goal scoring problems up front. Ronald Koeman says he needs a star forward. Javier Hernandez could be just the guy for the job.