23 year-old Colombian native Juan Camilo Hernández Suárez ,better known as Cucho Hernandez, signed a club record $10 million contract to become one of the Columbus Crew's new striker and designated player.
As a young player in the English Premier League and La LigaMX leagues, Cucho became a star. On the pitch he is a guy that can command a double team when attacking. He is a true striker who can also play out wide on the wings.
With the crew struggling to score this year at the striker position even after the Gyasi Zardes trade earlier this year, Hernandez brings young life into the Black & Gold lineup. With a squad that includes Lucas Zelarayan, and Miguel Berry, Cucho brings a new threat for other teams defenses.
Along with his speed and agility, Cucho also brings his ability to dribble in in traffic and make plays with his feet. He will be the threat of being able to slip through cracks and holes in the oppositions back lines and score.
In a press conference last week, team President and General manager Tim Bezbatchenko was asked how Cucho fits into the fold. "Caleb Porter rushed to my office and said lets go", Bezbatchenko stated.
"There were three things Cucho was looking for in a project: people, city, and fans. He was addiment about being the face of the team," Bezbatchenko stated.
Hernandez has already done his homework and is anxious to come in and learn from the current Black & Gold roster and bring his experience to the team as well.
The international transfer window opens on July 7th. Look for Cucho to arrive in Columbus sometime in the next few days and begin to train with his new teammates. The earliest he could play is on July 9th at Chicago Fire FC. Bezbatchenko, as well as Porter and the rest of the front office are in high hopes that he will be ready for when The Crew take on FC Cincinnati for "HELL IS REAL" week.