MLS Transfer Rumors: Chicharito in Negotiations Over Possible Move to MLS
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is without a doubt one of the most popular and marketable athletes in Mexico. Right now, he is busy scoring goals for Bayer Leverkusen, but once his contract expires in 2018, soccer fans may see him play his trade in North America with Major League Soccer (MLS).
Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC has reported that MLS is negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen and Chicharito over a possible move to the United States, and they reportedly want him to join the league in the summer of 2018 when his contract is up.
MLS is trying to avoid paying a transfer fee by signing him in 2018, but Carlisle points out that Chicharito will have a lot of suitors and if MLS doesn't act right fast he may end up playing somewhere else.
"There are bound to be other suitors interested in securing Hernandez's services given his international profile, and Leverkusen will be keen to cash in while it still can. So it's possible that MLS's hand could be forced to pay a transfer fee if the competition for Hernandez heats up," Carlisle said in his report.
Chicharito started his career with C.D. Guadalajara in 2006, but he has been playing in Europe since 2010. He was a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United team from 2010 to 2013, but he struggled for game time after David Moyes was appointed as Ferguson's successor in the 2013–2014 season.
During the 2014–2015 season, Chicharito joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan. He signed a three-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
After playing for some of the biggest soccer clubs in the world, Chicharito should be a welcome addition to the league. LA Galaxy and new team Los Angeles FC are reportedly interested in signing him. Reports say his salary may be nine million dollars annually if he decides to join MLS.
