A report published by Spanish outlet Don Balon has claimed that Real Madrid tried to sign West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez before they eventually settled for Mariano Diaz.
Real were in need of extra firepower up front during the summer transfer window, following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for €100 million.
Los Blancos were linked with a number of superstars during the summer, which included the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Eden Hazard as well as Edinson Cavani.
In the end, the reigning Champions League winners were left frustrated, as they were unable to secure one of the star targets. This led to club president Florentino Perez considering a surprise move for Hernandez. The Mexican had previously spent a season at the Santiago Bernabeu on loan from Manchester United.
During that season, he scored nine goals from 33 games in all competitions while playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema.
The report adds that Hernandez was not keen on the move, as he was unhappy with once again being back-up to Benzema.
In the end, Madrid ended up re-signing Mariano Diaz from Lyon. To many, this did come as a surprise. However, Diaz performed well last season, as he bagged 21 goals and contributed 8 assists for Lyon last term.
Diaz is also five years younger than Hernandez, who is 30-years-old. Diaz could have his best years ahead of him, while Hernandez is likely beyond the best years of his career.
In the end, things likely worked out for the better of Julen Lopetegui’s side.
