The Columbus Crew have set a club transfer record as it has sent Juan Camilo Hernández (Cucho) to Real Betis Balompié of LaLiga in Spain for around $16 million plus add-ons, according to MLS.
Hernández was a key part in Columbus’ recent success in not only MLS play but also international competitions. He helped lead the Crew’s incredible run in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup where the team had its highest finish in Club history as they finished as runners-up. Cucho also led the squad in the club’s 2024 Leagues Cup championship run.
Cucho will head to Spain and look to help the struggling Real Betis squad. Currently, the squad is sitting in 10th place in the LaLiga table and is 20 points behind league leader Real Madrid. The team is still in position to chase down Rayo Vallecano who currently sits in sixth position and is qualified for the conference league knockout phase.
When the star first joined the Crew in 2022, he had just finished his time for Watford in the English Premier League. Hernández did not have as much success in Europe and now looks to make a name for himself outside of Columbus. Columbus’ General Manager, Issa Tall, said the move was for Cucho as he has a bright future ahead.
“We have accomplished many of our collective goals together during the past three seasons, and he has earned the opportunity to prove his growth and talent with a return to Europe. Cucho is excited for the new challenge, and he will always have a special place in our club’s history,” Tall said.
The Crew will have to rely on younger talent to replace Cucho at the front of the team’s attack. Jacen Russel-Rowe, who has played multiple games for the Canadian National Team, most likely will step up in Cucho’s place if Tall doesn’t make a huge signing to replace Cucho. Diego Rossi has also shown great promise in the previous season and will look to lead the scoring charge for the club this upcoming season.
Columbus will open their 2025 campaign at home on Feb. 22 against the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. EST. To watch the Crew’s opener and many more matches, tune into Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
