Spanish champions Barcelona are interested in making a shock swoop for West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez, according to El Universal.
The Spanish outlet claims that the 30-year-old is on Ernesto Valverde’s radar as the Barca boss seeks to sign a frontman to back up former Liverpool man Luis Suarez.
Barcelona’s list of candidates also reportedly includes Tottenham Hotspur’s Fernando Llorente, Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi, Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez, Real Betis’ Antonio Sanabria and former Watford man Odion Ighalo.
The Mexican international does have previous La Liga experience having spent a season on loan at Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid in 2014-15.
OPINION
Well this is a surprise, isn’t it? It’s no secret that the Spanish giants are looking to improve their strength in depth at the sharp end of the pitch, but their interest in Hernandez is rather surprising. The Hammer stalwart obviously has history with Madrid, which you would have thought would reduce his chances of joining on at the Nou Camp, while he’s not been particularly prolific this campaign. To be fair to the player, he has missed a lot of time through illness and injury. However, there is a sense at the London Stadium that he might be past his best. With that said, why would Barcelona want him? The truth is that he will play precious little football if he does move to Catalonia. He will fill in for Suarez if the Uruguayan gets injured and play the occasional cup game. Hernandez might see that as a nice way to close out his career, though. If West Ham get a decent offer for him then why not give him up? Use the funds to purchase a more reliable replacement.
