Austin FC: Javier Hernandez return all depends on price or patience

Austin FC want to sign Javier Hernandez. The mechanics of the deal, however, all depend on the price set by West Ham United and the patience of the MLS new boys.

It was two years ago I reported that Los Angeles FC were exploring a move to get forward Javier Hernandez on their squad. Later the reports said the price climbed too high to get him for LAFC to finish the deal.

Now, scheduled 2021 MLS entry Austin FC are willing pay up to get Chicharito on the pitch when that team starts play, says owner Anthony Precourt.

The Austin FC expansion organization has put its pieces together quickly, whether that be the stadium plans, community involvement, or training organization. They’ve settled their Academy roster already with a squad of 19 under-14 players selected from a scouted field of 52. Now attention turns to their senior squad.

As Austin starts to plan their MLS roster, according to ESPN, West Ham United want$10-$15 million. His contract with the Premier League club runs to the year 2020.

With still another year erupting in reports that an MLS club wants the player, rumor-weary soccer fans counter with claims that this news remains unfounded. But that’s just not so. When I last visited Chicharito-transfer reports, he was in Bundesliga.

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He joined the West Ham squad, after the check sent to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2017 cleared for payment. From Bundesliga to Premier League. That’s a transfer, right?

So every Chicharito transfer rumor eventually comes true. That’s because a lot of the striker’s value comes from his value to teams where he hasn’t appeared on the roster. He’s a lot like artwork for auction by Christie’s that way. But can he really do anything for the team that pays up and gets him on their roster? So far, at age 31, he’s made good in that category, as well.

Through his first 53 Premier League appearances with 30 starts, he scored 15 goals. The scouting reports show Chicharito likes to play long balls and gets fouled often. His weaknesses include offside awareness and aerial duels, but when he identifies his opponent’s weaknesses and exploits space, he is lethal, as his goal record proves.

Considering all the strengths and weaknesses in Chicharito, Precourt says his scouts rest assured the forward can have a great impact in MLS. And that impact likely will be in the favor of Austin FC in 2021. No transfer fee. They’ll wait until the contract runs out next year.