'Javier is still a Guadalajara player' - Chivas sporting director Javier Mier downplay reports of potential Chicharito exit

Guadalajara’s Clausura 2025 campaign came to a disappointing end as the club failed to qualify for the Liga MX final phase. One targets for criticism has been the play of Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.

Brought back to Chivas as a potential solution and symbol of experience, the veteran striker has struggled to make a significant impact in his second stint with the club. Since his return in January 2024, Chicharito has played in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring only three goals and providing a single assist.

In the recently concluded Clausura, he featured in 11 league games, totaling 607 minutes and scoring just once - in a 3-1 loss to Atlético San Luis on Matchday 9. He also appeared in all four of Chivas’ Concachampions matches, where he found the net once against Cibao FC.

Speculation about his potential departure has grown, with San Diego FC of Major League Soccer reportedly linked as a possible destination. However, Chivas sporting director Javier Mier downplayed the reports.

"Javier is currently a player for Club Deportivo Guadalajara," Mier said. "If any situation were to arise in the future, the first people who need to address it are the player and us - as is the case with every member of the squad."

He also noted that the club is undergoing a broader evaluation process after elimination from the tournament.

"We didn’t expect to be doing this analysis so soon," he said, "but just like with the rest of the team, we are reviewing everything. If something specific comes up regarding Javier, it will be handled directly between the club and the player."

The big question hanging over the club is whether Hernández will remain with the team for the Apertura 2025 season. Chicharito still has six months remaining on his contract with the Red and Whites. However, his disappointing performances, combined with the team’s pressing need for attacking reinforcements this summer, have fueled speculation about his potential departure.

The MLS is the only league currently rumored as a possible destination for the 36-year-old striker, mainly due to his high salary. Fans have grown frustrated with Hernández, and he has not appeared fully at ease.

The sporting director acknowledged the increased scrutiny surrounding high-profile players such a Hernández.

"Given his stature and what he represents - not just for Chivas but for Mexican football as a whole - it’s natural for there to be a lot of attention. We know there’s a million things said around Chivas. Some are true, others aren’t. We won’t get into that," he said.

In the Mexican league, Chicharito played 11 of the 17 matches for Chivas, starting 44 percent of them. Between bonuses and salary, Hernández earns nearly $4M per year. He remains the club's top jersey seller, but his contribution has fallen short of supporting Roberto Alvarado, who ended as the team's top scorer with just four goals.