The Los Angeles Galaxy have replaced Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Javier Hernandez and made the Mexican striker the highest paid player in Major League Soccer.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic parted ways with the Los Angeles Galaxy in mid-November after spending two seasons in Hollywood and the club have finally found his replacement. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Galaxy have completed a deal to secure the services of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from La Liga outfit Sevilla.
The report claims that the transfer fee remains unknown, but the American giants have offered the 31-year-old Mexican international a three-year contract. In addition to offering Hernandez a multi-year contract, the report goes on to claim that the Los Angeles Galaxy have made Hernandez the highest paid player in the league. His predecessor, Ibrahimovic, claimed that honor last season with a salary of $7.2m.
Hernandez has big shoes to fill in Los Angeles. Ibrahimovic supported his arrogance off the pitch with stellar performances in the number nine shirt. The Swedish international, who has returned to AC Milan, managed to score an astonishing 53 goals in 58 games for the club, so the pressure to perform at an elite level is certainly on the shoulders of Hernandez.
Great Signing for Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Galaxy have expressed interest in Hernandez many times in the past, but they finally got their man after years of trying. Hernandez was hopeful he could find success at Sevilla, but the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star only made nine league appearances for the Spaniards. This move to Major League Soccer, and Los Angeles specifically, comes at the perfect time.
Hernandez still has some good years left in him and he is eager to end his career on a high note, which is exactly what the Galaxy need after the departure of the best striker to ever wear their jersey. It is also important to note that the Latino community and fan base will be booming more than ever in Los Angeles. With another Mexican star in Carlos Vela lighting up the league with Los Angeles Football Club, the arrival of Hernandez will transform that rivalry into one of the greatest derbies in all of North America.
Hernandez is Mexico’s leading scorer with 52 goals, so one can only imagine the reception he will receive among Mexican-American fans across the United States. Furthermore, Hernandez brings quality experience and veteran leadership to the squad. Over the course of his career, Hernandez has played in 308 league games in Mexico, England, Germany and Spain, and scored 115 goals in the process.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are known for finding ways to land top players around the world and they have maintained their reputation with the completion of this deal. All eyes will be on Hernandez to see how quickly he settles in, and he must be ready to handle the Ibrahimovic comparisons from day one. Overall, this was a solid signing by the Galaxy.