Sevilla and Valencia target Chicharito deal
Both clubs are in need of help up front and have identified the in-form Bayer Leverkusen striker as their reinforcement of choice.
Neither Valencia nor Sevilla have made a particularly strong start to the season in front of goal and both have decided to look for reinforcements up front. One name that has been identified as a potential target by both is Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, who has impressed in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen since joining from Manchester United in 2015.
The Mexican landed in Germany after a loan spell in Spain with Real Madrid and is in the form of his life. The former United man has scored almost a goal a game so far this year (seven goals and an assist in eight games) and was equally impressive last season, registering his best season in Europe so far (26 goals in 40 games). His form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he could now be in line for a move back to Spain.
Sevilla: Hernández would add the finishing touch to a strong squad
Jorge Sampaoli’s side have made a strong if unconvincing start to the season, sitting third in the league, but the coach’s style of play has drawn criticism, in particular for the lack of goals (13). Summer signing Wissam Ben Yedder is starting to find his feet – the Frenchman scored a brace against Alavés – but Vietto is struggling to find the same form that convinced Atlético Madrid to fork out upwards of €20 million to bring him to the Vicente Calderón last year. The Mexican would be an ideal signing to add greater attacking firepower to a squad competing on multiple fronts.
Valencia: A proper replacement for Paco Alcácer
A new project is underway at Valencia. New coach Cesare Prandelli, who managed to get Italy playing stylish yet effective football, has landed in a difficult situation but with a desire to get the club to the heights of years gone by. Patience is thin at Mestalla but Chicharito would give the squad a world-class replacement for Paco Alcácer and a lift to the long-suffering fans.
The main stumbling block: the price
Both teams are unlikely to be willing to meet Hernández’s current release clause, set at €45 million. Whether or not Leverkusen would be willing to negotiate remains to be seen but interest from both sides is very real.
