Is Cucho Hernández about to leave Columbus Crew in the most shocking MLS transfer yet | OneFootball

The Columbus Crew have every reason to be in the MLS limelight. Among the major inspirers of such attention is Cucho Hernández. Since his arrival in 2022, the 25-year-old Colombian forward has cemented his position in the club, scoring 58 goals and 26 assists in 98 games.

Now, the name Cucho is raising eyebrows outside the confines of MLS, giving attention to what American soccer does best. One interested party indeed is Botafogo, but this is far beyond a transfer from one club to another.

Columbus Crew and its crucial role in MLS

Columbus Crew is a clear example of how the league has become competitive and attractive. The club has a rich history and is very active in transforming soccer in the United States.

With Cucho Hernández on the roster, the Crew has taken a significant leap in quality in recent years. He was instrumental in the team’s MLS championship win in 2023 and was named the league’s second-best player the following year, only behind Lionel Messi. These achievements not only elevated Cucho’s status but also solidified Columbus Crew’s importance as a league frontrunner.

A combination of an excellent infrastructure, clever investments, and a solid technical foundation have made the club one of the most respected in the MLS. Having a player like Cucho, with his versatile and modern forward profile, directly reflects the team's strategy for player development and success.

New York Red Bulls v Columbus Crew - 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs | Ira L. Black - Corbis/GettyImages

Fit for Botafogo

The board of Botafogo is not making blind bets. Cucho represents an omnidirectional attacker who can act both as a target man and on the wings, so he's important for different tactical systems. Besides, his speed, explosiveness, and decision-making perfectly fit the dynamic style of play the club is looking to implement.

With the futures of forwards like Tiquinho Soares and Thiago Almada very much in doubt, Botafogo have some important holes to fill in attack. Cucho, with his international experience and the potential for a quick adaptation to Brazilian soccer, is the first option.

Financial issues

Of course, not everything is smooth sailing. Cucho Hernández is under contract with Columbus Crew until December 2025 and among the 30 highest-paid players in the MLS, with an annual wage of US$2.6 million-even more than big names like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, both from Inter Miami. This financial reality gives a significant weight to any negotiation, especially for a Brazilian club which, even though financially healthy, needs to take care of its budget.

Besides, Columbus Crew also knows the worth of their star and is unwilling to let him go without a fight. Botafogo's official offer is one thing, but the negotiations with the player's agents have not shown promising signs as of yet. The club will have to get creative and convincing to win over both the player and the American team.

Thiago Almada left Atlanta United for Botafogo and went on to win multiple championships | Buda Mendes/GettyImages

The influence of MLS in the international market

The MLS is not a retirement home for veterans or a stability option for journeyman players anymore. Nowadays, it is seen as a strategic market, especially for South American and European clubs looking for a pool of high-level talent. Players like Cucho Hernández are the living proof of this evolution.

More specifically, Columbus Crew has capitalized on that exposure to establish a reputation as a developer of players coveted by top-flight markets. That clubs outside of MLS-let alone one with the history and prestige of Botafogo-would bother with such an elaborate negotiation in an attempt to get in the door for players like Cucho is indicative of increased appeal.

Such cross-continental interaction is good, not just for the teams themselves, but for the broader development of the sport. MLS gains greater global recognition, while clubs seeking reinforcements add talented and experienced players from one of today's most dynamic leagues.

Curiously, Botafogo had been following the market quite closely in MLS - a trend which is catching on with greater frequency inside Brazilian soccer. Players like Gregore, Savarino, and Thiago Almada already showed that the American league can be the perfect ground for talent which is ready to blossom on South American pitches.

Cucho and Columbus Crew's future

Regardless of how the negotiations go, one thing is for sure: Cucho Hernández has already left his mark on the MLS and Columbus Crew. He hasn't just raised the level of the team's technique; he also helped to solidify the image of the Crew as a powerhouse in North American soccer.

If he stays in the league, he will remain one of the most important people to continued soccer growth in the United States. If he decides to seek a new challenge abroad, he will carry with him the legacy of being one of the best players the MLS has seen. Either way, the impact cannot go unnoticed.

As for Columbus Crew, it keeps proving that one can compete at the highest level while producing talent that captures the world's attention. This model promises a bright future for MLS, with clubs combining passion, structure, and a strategic vision beyond short-term gains.