It was Manchester United that started the trend last summer of buying back their old players for astronomical prices, and it seems they will continue to adhere to that policy going into next season. Reports claim that new boss Jose Mourinho is a long-term admirer of Bayer Leverkusen’s exciting forward, Javier Hernandez, and could make a move this summer.
The Mexican international has enjoyed life at Germany after Louis Van Gaal sold the striker to Leverkusen back in 2015 for £7.3 million. He has become a fan favourite in the past two seasons and has caught the eyes of numerous top clubs. And as usual, United have jumped on the bandwagon now emerging as a potential suitor for the 28-year-old this summer.
Manchester United boss, Mourinho, hasn’t shied away from praising the striker. He stated, “In the way, we play at Old Trafford, in the way we dominate opponents in the way we play in their box, I think Chicharito would have 20 goals easy… Even coming off the bench for the last 10 or 20 minutes, he will have 20 goals.”
Though it’s a bold claim, it nonetheless makes sense. Mourinho has fetched the most productivity from the vibrant Marcus Rashford up front whenever Zlatan Ibrahimovic was absent. The English striker is effective for his tremendous work rate and lightning pace. His ability to chase defenders forcing them to make mistakes and finding space behind them from through balls and lobbed passes is unparalleled in the Premier League at the moment.
Hernandez has identical attributes to Rashford, with an extra sense of impeccable positioning. Chicharito, as United fans popularly know him, scores plenty from rebounds and small tap-ins. His ability to find the right place at the right time has lured Mourinho.
In his 34 outings so far, in all competitions, Hernandez has managed to score 12 goals and three assists. An academy product of Mexican side Deportivo Guadalajara, Hernandez has played for the likes of United and Real Madrid before joining Leverkusen. A centre-forward by nature, Hernandez has scored 37 goals and 12 assists in 107 Premier League appearances.
His conversion rate has surprisingly improved in Germany (51.92%) compared to when he was with United (35.93), and now would be the perfect time to get him back. His contract with Leverkusen expires at the end of next season and an offer from United will be difficult for Hernandez to turn down.
But it will be interesting to see whether United do actually go forward with something concrete.
