Former Manchester United striker and current Bayer Leverkusen front man Javier Hernandez is the target of Premier League side West Ham. The Hammers are keen to bring in a high-quality striker this summer and have pinpointed Hernandez due to his £13 million release clause.
Hernandez’s contract with Bayer expires in the summer of 2018, and the player had reportedly made it known he would leave for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC when it did. However, Bayer are unwilling to let the Mexican international leave on a free transfer, and want to cash-in on the striker this summer.
Despite Bayer not wanting Hernandez to leave on a free transfer, the club have not attempted to negotiate a new deal either. The 29-year-old is now expected to leave this summer, if a team can meet his release clause. Hernandez has tallied 39 goals in 76 matches for Bayer, yet the club seem happy to let him leave for the ridiculously low £13m release clause that has been reported by the Telegraph.
According to reports, West Ham are “desperate” to sign a striker this summer that can propel the team into contention for the Europa League. Hernandez can definitely do just that as the player has proven it throughout his career.
Hernandez had been linked with a move to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC. However, that deal was expected to be made upon his contract expiring with Bayer. Reports indicated Hernandez would become the highest paid player in the league and would be the face of the franchise.
A move to West Ham could scupper that deal, unless LA or another MLS club pays the striker’s release clause.
Javier Hernandez 2016-17 key stats:
- 11 goals in 26 Bundesliga matches
- 2 shots per Bundesliga match
- 1 goal in 8 Champions League matches