Real Madrid admit signing Chicharito was a mistake

Real Madrid have admitted signing Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez from Manchester United was a “mistake”, according to Spanish journalist Melchor Ruiz.

Ruiz, who works for Cadena COPE, told the Spanish radio program El Partido de las 12 that sources close to Real Madrid told him they regretted signing the on-loan Mexican striker.

Mostly utilized as a substitute, Chicharito has made 17 appearances for Real Madrid since arriving in September. The Mexico international currently has three goals and two assists in all competitions.

“They [Real Madrid] acknowledge they could have been wrong about him after what he has contributed,” Ruiz told El Partido de las 12. “It has not been good for the player [regarding] how the season has gone. They also believe it wasn’t necessary to sign him, as he has not had many minutes.”

Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Radamel Falcao for the majority of the summer. But after reaching a reported agreement in principle for the Colombian striker, the deal collapsed just a few days prior to the close of the transfer window after Falcao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, began shopping the player around for a better deal.

The goal of finding a second striker to play behind Karim Benzema – who in August extended his contract with the club until June 2019 – is no longer a priority with Real Madrid because they believe to have a solution for the problem in house.

“With regards to next season, there is no intention of bringing in a replacement,” Ruiz concluded. “They think of Jese Rodriguez as first change for the attack. Although, at the moment, he is far from at his best to play the role Chicharito is occupying.”

Programming note: Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 11:55am EST in beIN SPORTS.

The game will be shown live on beIN SPORTS for viewers in the US. If you don’t have beIN SPORTS, click on any of these streaming services (all include free trials) to watch the game (US only). Don’t know which one to choose? Read our comparison guide.