Flamengo targets Cucho Hernández as Columbus Crew faces a pivotal transfer decision | OneFootball

With the transfer market full of rumors, Cucho Hernández became one of the names most mentioned as a probable target for Flamengo in 2025. In any case, the attention falls not only on the interest of the Brazilian club but also on the leading role the Colombian forward has managed to consolidate for himself at Columbus Crew and his increasing influence in MLS.

Since Cucho Hernández joined Columbus Crew in 2022, he has proven that he is much more than just another player in MLS. This Colombian forward transformed himself very fast into the mainstay of the team, showing his rare talent, consistency, and a great nose for goals. He has played 77 matches in two years, scoring 49 goals with 24 assists. These numbers place him among the league's brightest stars.

Cucho does give Crew an edge. He is the kind of player who can change their attack, as one would always know what may happen from him. Besides his scoring ability, his tendency to open plays and involve his teammates lifts the entire team to great heights.

He has, in general view in MLS, become one of the league's best forwards during a time when the overall competitiveness increases with each season and high-quality players almost always rise to the top. In the bigger picture, Cucho doesn't just lift Crew's bar but also creates attention from the international stage, such as Flamengo seeking to improve its roster for the coming season.

The Columbus Crew Conundrum

Having signed a contract that runs to December 2025, Hernández has left Columbus Crew in a tight spot. He has reportedly shown no desire to re-sign, leaving his club to decide whether to cash in on him now or lose one of their most valuable assets for nothing when his deal expires.

According to Footboom1, the first asking price for Columbus Crew was €15 million-a figure justifying Cucho's market value and constant performance. For the club, this is a strategic decision: sell Cucho now and invest the money in new signings or keep him until the end of his contract and risk losing him without compensation.

This puts Crew at a crossroads. MLS is struggling to make itself more competitive and attractive worldwide, so to lose a star like Cucho without financial return would be a significant blow. Of course, selling him before his contract is up means finding a replacement of equal quality, which is no small feat.

What Cucho Means to MLS

Cucho Hernandez is more than a big player for Columbus Crew; he represents the continued growth and development of MLS, as they have strived during the last years to attract the most valuable players around the world, mixing young stars with well-seasoned players. Cucho represents that perfect mix: young yet experienced, excellent in statistics, able to perform both in attack and playmaking.

Players like Cucho help position MLS as relevant in the global arena. He is not only a top name for Crew but also an ambassador for the rising quality of soccer in the United States. When international clubs like Flamengo start showing interest in MLS players, it reinforces the notion that the league is cultivating talent capable of competing anywhere in the world.

Interest from Flamengo and the Transfer Market

From Flamengo's point of view, this deal makes complete sense. The Brazilian powerhouse always tends to be in the hunt for difference-makers, and Cucho presents an opportunity to add a dynamic, versatile forward into their mix of players. On the other hand, the price that Columbus Crew is setting and other clubs competing for him may complicate negotiations.

Flamengo isn't the only one with Cucho in their sights; some teams from Europe and other leagues are tracking him, too, which could increase his price even more and escalate the bidding war. For Crew, the worldwide interest in Cucho just underlined his value and emphasized the point that MLS can increasingly develop and hold onto top-tier talent.