Valencia seem to be constantly on a striker rollercoaster, they’ve either got the best thing since sliced bread, as has been suggested about Simone Zaza and Rodrigo at times in recent seasons, or the world is close to ending and only a new signing can save things.
Zaza started the 2017/18 season in great form, and then it all went wrong, rather predictably. Eight La Liga goals between mid September and the end of October were then followed by four for the whole of the rest of the season.
He’s now on loan at Torino, and the former West Ham player is again finding it hard to score.
Rodrigo Moreno managed 19 goals across domestic competitions last season and was God’s new gift, but has now lost his touch and has 2 La Liga goals this campaign.
Michy Batshuayi was signed on loan from Chelsea but that’s been a disaster, and Valencia will look to get rid.
To replace him the latest saviour is Javier Hernandez, and Super Deporte, Valencia’s local sport newspaper, believe there’s a good chance of a deal. That’s because ‘the truth is’ West Ham are ‘looking in the market’ to strengthen ‘both attack and midfield’ for a second half of season European push.
That’s rather convenient for Valencia.
Super Deporte hint the move would be a loan with a purchase option, which is again rather convenient for Valencia.
Hernandez may have only scored 4 league goals this season, yet that’s still more than any player for the Spanish club. It’s not great, but it’ll be no surprise if Manuel Pellegrini tells the Mexican he’s going nowhere until the summer.