Clint Dempsey. Jozy Altidore. Michael Bradley. All three struggled to find a permanent home in Europe. All three benefited—both financially and tactically—from a return to their native land. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez should walk a similar path.
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But instead of banking on the big dollars of Major League Soccer—the Chicago Fire offered the 27-year-old an annual salary of $10 million—Hernandez should consider a return to Liga MX.
Specifically to Chivas Guadalajara.
Hernandez returned to Manchester United after spending a season on loan at Real Madrid with every intention of playing his way into the lineup. Manager Louis van Gaal went as far as revealing his role with the club.
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"The [main] striker is [Wayne] Rooney and Chicharito is the second striker," van Gaal said, per the Express. "He knows that."
Then, Wednesday happened.
Looking to reopen his club account, Hernandez slipped and all his dreams of remaining a United player fell with him.
With no future at Old Trafford, the Estadio Omnilife is ready to welcome him home.
Chivas Guadalajara entered 2015 facing the threat of relegation. A porous start—four points through six games—all but ensures the club will attempt to stave off relegation at the end of the 2016 Clausura tournament.
A January transfer to Guadalajara will allow Hernandez to rescue his childhood club and replace the aging legs of Omar Bravo. It's a script written in Hollywood, but one only the sports world can make a reality.
Admittedly, the premise is far-fetched. Hernandez has been linked with potential moves to West Ham, Inter Milan and Tottenham. There's still some life left for the Mexican international in Europe.
But are the prospects of modest success at a middling club better for one's legacy than a heroic return? Simply put, no. The time for Hernandez to return home is near.
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