Chicarito Seeks Stunning EFL Move: 5 Clubs That Would Suit Him Best

Chicarito Seeks Stunning EFL Move: 5 Clubs That Would Suit Him Best

Early rumours suggest that former Man United and Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez is looking to return to England, with a move to the EFL on the cards.

🚨🇲🇽 Chicharito (37) dejará Chivas en diciembre y planea regresar a INGLATERRA y disputar la Championship en 2026. [Gibran Araige] pic.twitter.com/wDiZkW5TSV

— Futbol de Inglaterra (@Mercado_Ingles) September 18, 2025

Chicarito is currently playing with Mexican club Chivas, with his contract due to expire in December. Many EFL Clubs are aware of this and are looking to bring him into their squad in the January window.

We at Football Park believe 5 clubs currently stand out as solid destinations for the Mexican striker. These clubs are Watford, Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich, and West Brom, and today, we will be taking a look at every outfit, assessing their needs, and seeing how Hernandez would fit in.

Chicarito's Story

Javier Hernandez first became a household name when he left Mexico at the end of the 2009/10 season, signing for Alex Ferguson's Man United. He made 27 appearances in his first Premier League season, and at just 22-years old, he scored 13 league goals. The end of the season saw Chicarito lift the Premier League trophy.

Hernandez spent 6 seasons at Man United. scoring 59 goals in 154 appearances. Furthermore, the Mexican spent a season on loan at Real Madrid, scoring 9 in 33 and lifting the Club World Cup with the side.

Chicharito’s reaction to Petr Cech’s amazing save was priceless.pic.twitter.com/qoKuEX2fh5

— Archives (@CFCRetro) October 12, 2024

After being sold by United, Chicarito spent 2 seasons in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, and in 76 appearances he scored 39 goals.

In a new era for West Ham United, with the club moving to the London Stadium, the Hammers sought the signature of Javier Hernandez. In two full seasons with the Hammers, he scored 15 Premier League goals before moving to Sevilla in the 2019/20 season.

His time at Sevilla was short-lived, as he spent just one season their, which culminated in a Europa League trophy. After Sevilla, Hernandez spent a couple years in the MLS with LA Galaxy, before returning back to his boyhood club Chivas.

Chicharito (€7.75M) - West Ham United to Sevilla (2019) pic.twitter.com/OWaYnOyLzr

— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) April 26, 2025

Now we're all caught up, let's get into why he would be an astute signing for the EFL Clubs involved.

Watford

Famous for yo-yoing between the Championship and the Premier League, the Hornets are now enduring their fourth successive Championship campaign.

Their summer window saw a few incomings, with the most notable one being Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich. However, the striker position still needs addressing, and while Irankunda is capable of doing a job there, they lack sufficient support in the role.

Chicarito would be a great acquistion for Watford, adding some firepower up front and some much-needed experience into a youthful side.

Southampton

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Saints are looking to make their time in the Championship short but sweet. The transfer window was busy for the Saints, overseeing a host of new arrivals. Finn Azaz signed from Middlesborough to add some proven experience in the midfield, and 21-year old USA international Damion Downs was brought in to bolster their attacking options.

Downs can't lead the line by himself though, and while Adam Armstrong is still present, they may need a bit more to push them through. Therefore, adding Chicarito would be a smart signing, adding even more proven quality to the side.

Leicester City

The Foxes waved goodbye to the Premier League again last season. This wasn't unexpected however, as the side struggle to gain of 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The most damning departure for Leicester, some may argue, was Jamie Vardy leaving on a free transfer. After committing his all to the side for over a decade, winning a Premier League, an FA Cup, and a Community Shield, Vardy completed a move to Italian side Cremonese over the summer.

Jamie Vardy's vacancy leaves a huge hole in the club, and not just on the pitch. The dressing room is in dire need of a leader figure, someone who's been there and done it all, and that's why Chicarito would be a perfect signing.

Leicester's window was poor, and whilst they held on to many of their key players, they failed to sign any real talent. New manager Marti Cifuentes has made the direction he wants the club want to go in clear, and Hernandez could play a key role in his vision.

Ipswich Town

Another side that went down last season, the Tractor Boys are seeking an imminent return to the bigtime.

With Kieran McKenna still safely at the helm, Ipswich lost two key players in the summer, namely Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson. The sales of these two generated some strong financial prowess for Ipswich, but they struggled to spend these funds wisely over the summer.

A further departure saw the club lose their captain Sam Morsy. The loss of Morsy is perhaps the most wounding loss of them all, with the Egyptian captaining the side since they were in League One. In order to restore leadership and experience in the side, Chicarito may be just what Ipswich need.

West Brom

West Brom have remained a regular fixture in the Championship for some time now. The streets won't forget their Premier League days however, generating some truly iconic players and moments over the years. The Baggies have seen the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Victor Moses, Maynor Figueroa and a host more!

But forget the glory days for a minute, let's look at where they are now. West Brom have failed to get promoted for the last 4 years, only reaching the play-offs once. After 5 games this season, they sit on 10 points in 5th position.

A positive transfer window saw them make use of loans from Premier League clubs, as well as some smart signings on the cheap. Alfie Gilchrist was brought in from Chelsea for £2 million to restore some solidity across the backline.

Their squad however, more specifically their strikers, still remain flat. Josh Maja scored 12 goals last season for West Brom, but the side need more if they are to make a serious case for promotion. Chicarito would ease the burden on Maja, adding some calm and composure up front.