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Why Saints should pursue Javier Hernandez

By Luke Dennis

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 20: Javier Hernandez looks on prior to a Mexico training session during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 20, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 20: Javier Hernandez looks on prior to a Mexico training session during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 20, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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With a release clause of just £13 million, Southampton must quickly make their move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Javier Hernandez.

Jay Rodriguez’ departure from the south coast may have come as a surprise to plenty, but Saints fans must realise there are far better options available.

A fascinatingly cheap choice for Mauricio Pellegrino to evaluate is ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Reports this week suggest that West Ham have held talks about signing the poacher from Leverkusen for a measly fee of £13 million, but Southampton should pounce on the Mexican man.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 02: Javier Hernandez of Mexico celebrates his sides first goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Play-Off for Third Place between Portugal and Mexico at Spartak Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 02: Javier Hernandez of Mexico celebrates his sides first goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Play-Off for Third Place between Portugal and Mexico at Spartak Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Hernandez has scored 39 goals in his last two seasons in Germany and has invaluable Premier League experience, winning two titles with Manchester United.

He has proved time and time again that he is the arch-poacher, scoring vital goals from close range, with deadly finishes from the right place at the right time.

Undoubtedly, a player of Chicharito’s quality will strengthen Southampton, who only managed to score 41 goals last season. None of Southampton’s players managed to score double figures for the campaign, instead Nathan Redmond led the side in Premier League scoring with just seven goals to his name.

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During his stay with United, the 29-year-old managed to become the fifth-most prolific striker in Premier League history, averaging a goal every 130 minutes- something the entire Saints starting eleven struggled with last season.

With Rodriguez gone, and Shane Long’s future up in the air, surely the ‘Little Pea’ is a viable option for the Saints. Perhaps the only issue regarding the move would be his wages, with the Mexican sure to be one of Bayer Leverkusen’s top earners having already boasted experience with United and Real Madrid.