Manchester United Transfer Rumors: 'Chicharito' Leaving Old Trafford for Orlando City, Liverpool?
What seemed like a long shot just a few months ago may come to fruition as Click Orlando reported that Mexican star striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is closing in on a deal that will bring him to the Orlando City Soccer Club of the MLS from a Manchester United loan to Real Madrid.
Negotiations nearing finality
Hernandez, who sustained an injury to his collarbone in the recent Honduras friendly, has almost closed his contract with the Lions with only minor details left to be sorted out, according to a report by Spanish soccer website Juanfutbol. David Pingalore of Click Orlando wrote that Orlando City has a "70 percent chance" of acquiring the international player in the weeks to come.
In Pingalore's report, he noted that "sources close to the negotiations" said that the 27-year-old Old Trafford striker and the Lions management have already been in "high level discussions."
MLS welcomes Mexican stars
The U.S, Major League Soccer summer transfer window will commence on July 8, but a deal is expected to be finalized and become public before the opening. Villareal's Giovani Dos Santos is already reported to swing over to the MLS, with negotiations between him and LA Galaxy already taking place.
SB Nation's Taylor Twellman noted that MLS is looking to add provisions that will make the addition of Mexican stars an easier process. MLS was reportedly planning to roll out the "core player" rule that would allow teams like Orlando City to add a Mexican star like Chicharito even when they already have three Designated Players. The Juanfutbol report stated that when the new import mechanism rolls out, the Mexican striker could either take the provision, or the Lions could take one of their Designated Players - either Bryan Rochez or Carlos Rivas - to free up a slot to make space for Hernandez.
Highest paid stars
According to Pingalore, Chicharito is expected to receive a salary of up to $7 million for the remaining matches of the MLS season. The Lions acquired Brazilian legend Kaka for the same price this season, The Guardian recalled. Kaka is now Orlando's leading scorer- having recorded eight makes in 17 games.
Chicharito played with the Spanish club Real Madrid after he was loaned out by Manchester United. He registered a total of nine goals in 35 appearances. Chicharito scored 40 goals with team Mexico - six goals behind Jared Borgetti, Mexico's all-time leading goalmaker, noted MLSsoccer.com.
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