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Cucho Hernández, the Colombian forward and star player for Columbus Crew, has officially transferred to La Liga’s Real Betis for a reported club-record fee of approximately $16 million plus add-ons. This move marks Hernández’s return to European football after a successful two-and-a-half-year stint in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Key Takeaways
- Cucho Hernández transferred to Real Betis for around $16 million.
- He scored 58 goals in 92 appearances for Columbus Crew.
- Hernández helped the Crew win the MLS Cup 2023 and Leagues Cup 2024.
- Columbus Crew retains a sell-on percentage from the transfer.
Cucho Hernández’s Impact at Columbus Crew
Hernández joined Columbus Crew in June 2022 as a club-record signing from Watford FC. His impact was immediate, scoring nine goals in just 16 regular-season matches during his debut season. Over his tenure, he became a pivotal player, leading the Crew to significant victories, including:
- MLS Cup 2023: Named MVP in the final against LAFC.
- Leagues Cup 2024: Scored two goals in the final, securing the title.
- Concacaf Champions Cup Final: Contributed to the Crew’s strong performance.
His impressive stats include 58 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, earning him two MLS Best XI selections in 2023 and 2024, as well as a second-place finish in the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP voting.
The Transfer Details
The transfer to Real Betis was officially announced on February 3, 2025. The deal is significant not only for the fee but also for the potential future earnings for Columbus Crew, as they retain a sell-on percentage. General Manager Issa Tall expressed gratitude for Hernández’s contributions, stating, "Cucho has played a key role in our club’s recent success, and we thank him for the everlasting memories he created for our city and for our supporters."
What Lies Ahead for Columbus Crew
With Hernández’s departure, Columbus Crew faces the challenge of filling the void left by their star player. The team now has an open Designated Player spot, alongside existing players like Darlington Nagbe and Diego Rossi. As they prepare for the 2025 MLS season, which kicks off on February 22 against Chicago Fire FC, the Crew will need to strategize effectively to maintain their competitive edge.
Conclusion
Cucho Hernández’s move to Real Betis is a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his growth and success in MLS. As he embarks on this new chapter in La Liga, Columbus Crew will look to build on their recent successes and find new talent to lead them into the upcoming season.
Sources
- Columbus Crew transfer Cucho Hernández to Real Betis | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- Crew’s Cucho Hernandez heads to La Liga: His Columbus career in photos, The Columbus Dispatch.
- MLS transfer tracker, latest news: Columbus sends star to Real Betis, USA Today.
