Sevilla sporting director Monchi has said that he was shocked to see striker Javier Hernandez accept such a large pay cut to leave West Ham United.
It’s no secret that the Mexican international was on a colossal wage at the London Stadium – thought to be £140,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac].
Monchi admits he was surprised that the 31-year-old agreed to a much reduced wage in order to return to Spain: “He is an experienced forward who meets the requirements our coach wants,” he said, as per talkSPORT.
“I wanted to sign him a long time ago and I must say that in my 20 years as a sports director I had never seen a football player lower his salary so much to sign for Sevilla. Javier convinced me in the first talk we had.”
OPINION
This is probably more of a comment on the ridiculous amount of money Hernandez was on at West Ham, as opposed to his burning desire to represent Sevilla. Sure, he was probably excited to return to Spain – where he previously played for Real Madrid – but he’s just banked two years of £140,000-per-week. He’s more than likely set for life, and so money probably isn’t the issue it once was for him. Still, he should be commended for accepting a much reduced salary, because that’s not something that happens very often in football these days. Monchi is clearly over the moon with the deal, and why wouldn’t he be? Hernandez can still be a useful player, it’s just that he wasn’t producing in the way a £140,000-per-week player should. But for much less money, as he will be on at Sevilla, he’ll play his part and chip in with a few goals. All in all, then, this is a good deal for both parties – although it does leave the Hammers a bit short up front.
