Javier Hernandez Signs

[Patito]

Bienvenido parcero

[lewis100985]

This is an exceptional signing, be very interesting to see how Bilic deploys him, Carroll with him running off would be a punishing front two as a second option, assuming he'll stick to one striker for the most part.

Hart
Zabaleta
Masuaku/Cresswell
Reid
Ogbonna

Kouyate
Noble

Antonio
Lanzini
Arnautovic

Hernandez

That is a bloody good side,add a genuine defensive midfielder and maybe a slightly technical alternative to Antonio when required and it's got everything covered.

Obiang in for Kouyate and Ayew for Antonio.

That's what I'd be going with.... and I can't ****ing wait!!! COYI

[frankiemac]

To the tune of Despacito:
Chi cha rito,
Score a goal for us Chicharito
Score another for us Chicharito
Score a hatrick for us Chicharito

And let's hope he does against Man U on opening day

to the tune of let it be:

little pea, little pea, little pea, little peeea
scoring goals for west ham
...little pea

[Nesticles]

A really good signing

Needed a quality striker for years, Hernandez certainly fits the bill

Our signing of the summer by some distance for me

[umweb]

so happy about this signing. one of my favourite neutral players to watch. was disappointed when we didn't get him a few years ago but better late than never. well done.

[DODGYDAL]

Not trying to piss on everyone's chips, and obviously he is better than what we have, but my prediction is he won't get into double figs for league goals

Hopefully I will be proved wrong (as I often am) but I called Carroll correctly when everyone else was over the moon

£20.00 for the BMF he does?

[Big George]

I don't get the enthusiasm.

His form fell off a cliff at Man U, fitness issues, wight issues, too old. The idea we did a good thing by choosing him over Iheanacho is absurd.

[aboycalleddave]

This is an exceptional signing, be very interesting to see how Bilic deploys him, Carroll with him running off would be a punishing front two as a second option, assuming he'll stick to one striker for the most part.

Hart
Zabaleta
Masuaku/Cresswell
Reid
Ogbonna

Kouyate
Noble

Antonio
Lanzini
Arnautovic

Hernandez

That is a bloody good side,add a genuine defensive midfielder and maybe a slightly technical alternative to Antonio when required and it's got everything covered.

When I read it the way you've put it, this looks a pretty formidable side. We could do things here.


I hope.

[ageing hammer]

To the tune of La Macerena.

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito Hey Chicarito

[miles]

He will score the winner for us in the FA Cup final.

[HammerMan2004]

I don't get the enthusiasm.

His form fell off a cliff at Man U, fitness issues, wight issues, too old. The idea we did a good thing by choosing him over Iheanacho is absurd.

Too old? He's a year younger than Payet.
Form fell off a cliff? 1 in 3 for Madrid, 1 in 2 for Leverkusen?

[Burnley Hammer]

I don't get the enthusiasm.

His form fell off a cliff at Man U, fitness issues, wight issues, too old. The idea we did a good thing by choosing him over Iheanacho is absurd.

I've been browsing the Hernandez thread on RedCafe this morning which stretches back to 2 years ago (ish). I didn't see a single mention from anybody about fitness issues or weight issues. Certainly doesn't look like he's carrying excess weight from what I've seen of him recently either. The common consensus on the RedCafe forum seems to be that he fell out of favour with Van Gaal due to his style of play. He wanted a forward who could pass the ball, retain possession, and hold the ball up. He didn't want a goal poacher. As a striker that offers little else but goals, he's probably also the most likely player to be substituted if your team is already winning and you want to tighten up defensively.

Maybe I've missed something as I haven't really heard much in the way of opinion from Leverkusen fans.

[S-H]

If Man Utd still had Hernandez last season, I would bet he would of been the difference in turning some of their many draws into wins.

Quality player, we are very fortunate to have him.

[lewis100985]

To the tune of La Macerena.

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito

Chic chica chic
Chica chic Chicarito Hey Chicarito :scarfer :

I can't even say that when I'm sober let alone after a few beers on match day! :lol:

[Maldonboys]

If Man Utd still had Hernandez last season, I would bet he would of been the difference in turning some of their many draws into wins.

Quality player, we are very fortunate to have him.

Spot on

[rare as rockinghorse shat]

It's a good signing. One which shows serious intent. It's what we wanted.

West Ham can not attract and afford guaranteed goals, but we can attract someone who falls into the next bracket of a genuine goalscorer, but one which will still need to put the effort and shift in and we'll need to ensure we are playing a system which benefits him, as he's only one - albeit big - piece of the jigsaw.

We do not want to be playing on the back foot all game, other teams running through our midfield meaning the only service he gets will be the odd ball to chase down the channels.

At £16m and £140k wages (these wages would have been much lower if a more prestigious club were in for him) it shows that he was well within budget for at least 40 odd European clubs, yet we signed him with seemingly little competition?
He's a very niche player. His time on the benches of previous clubs, under past manager shows us this and it should just suggest we approach the deal with balanced excitement, but just a little caution.

He could get 25 league goals next season, or he could get less than 10 in all competition. He's a natural finisher with real pedigree and a really exciting signing, but we should be prepared for either.

[S-H]

Good post RARS, it really all depends now on how Bilic sets up, we have to play to his strengths.

Getting the ball forward quicker into, Lanzini, Arni etc, the intelligent players who will hopefully provide the service for him to shine.

Leaving him isolated, as Carroll so often is would be a waste of his talents.

[Eggs'n'nuts]

For our present "level", this is turning into a very good transfer window.

[Burnley Hammer]

Interestingly, Carrolls goals per 90 minutes and shots needed per goal stat is actually comparable to Hernandez last season. Shame he has the injury problems - I think he'd have easily been hitting nearer 15 goals a season.

Also, both Carroll and Hernandez have a better goal conversion rate (shots per goal) than Zlatan last season. Goal conversion is a good stat to look at. A striker for us isn't going to get the same amount of chances as he would for a top 4 team.

Number of shots per goal for Hernandez:

2012/13 Man Utd........ 4.40
2013/14 Man Utd........ 5.25
2014/15 R Madrid....... 4.28
2015/16 Leverkusen... 3.76
2016/17 Leverkusen... 4.73

Ibrahimovic needed 6.82 shots per goal.

[comebackjoecole]

Happy to sign a big name who has certainly been superb in the past.

Just a shame it's a 29 year old who will have no resale value in a couple of years, our net spend is
always way too high because of our inability to buy players who can be sold.

I hope he stays fit and happy.