Juan Camilo Hernández is set to make a transfer to Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew this summer transfer window. The 23-year-old Colombian striker is expected to sign on a designated player (DP) slot with the Ohio-based soccer club. This transfer from Watford is reported to be a record-breaking signing for Columbus Crew.
Details known so far are that the deal is estimated to be worth around $10M. The current record holder is Lucas Zelarayán – who signed with Columbus Crew back in 2020 for an estimated $8M. The deal makes sense on both sides for each club. Watford needs the funds to strengthen their club as they have been regulated from the Premier League – ending the season in 19th place. Colombus Crew is in need of a new striker as Gyasi Zardes was traded to the Colorado Rapids.
Born in Pereira, Hernández has been called Cucho since he was two years old because his father would shave his head leading him to be compared to a prominent Argentine soccer player at the time, Esteban Cuchu Cambiasso, who would also shave his hair off. Furthermore, people said he looked like an old man which is called “cucho” in Colombian slang.
Hernández joined Deportivo Pereira in 2015 at the age of only 15, after impressing with an amateur side. He made his first-team debut on 6 April 2015 at the age of just 15, starting in a 2–1 home win against Deportes Quindío for the Categoría Primera B championship.
Hernández scored his first senior goal on 5 September 2015, netting his team’s first in a 3–2 away win against Real Santander. After finishing his first season with three goals, he netted 20 times during his second, being the tournament’s top goalscorer; highlights included a hat-trick in a 3–0 home success over Tigres F.C. on 3 July 2016.
Hernández joined Deportivo Pereira in 2015 at the age of only 15, after impressing with an amateur side. He made his first-team debut on 6 April 2015 at the age of just 15, starting in a 2–1 home win against Deportes Quindío for the Categoría Primera B championship.
Hernández scored his first senior goal on 5 September 2015, netting his team’s first in a 3–2 away win against Real Santander. After finishing his first season with three goals, he netted 20 times during his second, being the tournament’s top goalscorer; highlights included a hat-trick in a 3–0 home success over Tigres F.C. on 3 July 2016.
In 2017, Chucho Hernández was sold to Watford but was loaned out to Segunda División side SD Huesca for one year. He scored 16 goals during the 2017–18 campaign, as his side achieved promotion to La Liga for the first time ever. On 4 June 2018, his loan was extended for a further season, and he made his top tier debut on 19 August by starting in a 2–1 away win against SD Eibar.
Hernández scored his first goal in the main category of Spanish football on 2 September 2018, netting the opener in a 8–2 loss at FC Barcelona. He finished 2018–19 with four goals in 34 appearances, as his side was immediately relegated back.
On 26 August 2019, Hernández signed a new long-term contract with Watford and joined RCD Mallorca on a season-long loan. Later on 14 August 2020, Hernández remained in Spain and its first division, after joining Getafe CF on a season-long loan. On 14 August 2021, Hernández returned to Watford and scored on his debut in their league opener against Aston Villa, where Watford won 3–2.
