What the sale of Cucho Hernandez means for the Crew | OneFootball

29 matches, 19 goals, 11 assists and the league runner-up in MVP voting in the 2024 season. This is what General Manager Issa Tall and Manager Wilfried Nancy will be tasked with replacing after the 11th hour sale of Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis in the last day of the transfer window for La Liga on February 3. Cucho's impact went far beyond the numbers for the Crew however. His awe inspiring play drew record attendance and created a buzz around this team that became must see TV. Columbus became a titan in the MLS and beyond with their successes in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup.

Sports is a nasty business as a whole, soccer is not immune. With great success, come teams that poach young talent. Europe will come calling for young stars with tremendous talent in the MLS, it's just the way it is at least for now. People will be upset with the reported $16 million price tag Cucho drew for the Crew when talks were the front office set the price tag at $20 million, but let's remember his ambitions of playing for the Colombian national team. He's been very clear in that goal for himself. Unfortunately for Columbus that would effectively mean he'd have to take off to Europe for exposure and further development. I am choosing to remain grateful for the three seasons we were able to enjoy watching a player of that class, who embodied the spirit of the team and gave us tremendous success. I always knew this day would come, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with. This is a great move for Cucho, if he finds success at Real Betis he'll surely get more looks for Colombia and that is what we all should hope for him.

What does the Columbus Crew do now? That's the question. While I admire their desire to help Cucho achieve his personal goals, there still remains a lot of pressure to perform for a fanbase that has become used to success. This is a huge void to fill. Sure some younger guys will get their chances, Jacen Russell-Rowe has been due for more looks, Max Arfsten took a huge step forward last year, but neither of them are ready just yet. Surely Tall and Nancy will be on the lookout for another star striker to bring into the fold to help boost the attack that seemed marginal at best without Cucho in spot games last year. One thing I'd caution is to doubt Nancy, I believe and trust in him that he will work with Tall and they'll find someone to bring that can help this team stay at the top of the table and be a tough out in all competitions. These are uneasy times, but let's not count the Crew out just yet. They've made a habit of winning when they weren't supposed to.