West Ham’s new number 9 and why it kind of makes sense

West Ham revealed two new squad numbers a day after failing to sign Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez. The decision has since divided the supporters on who will wear Andy Carroll’s old number and presumably lead the line for the club.

Javier Hernandez, the believed-to-be departing striker is now West Ham’s new number 9. To say the fanbase was surprised would be an understatement, but with a few notably striker targets gone now, I suppose it makes sense…?

Chicharito was unhappy last season with the club relegating him to a super-sub, regardless of his on-pitch play, to appease the moody Marko Arnautovic. Arnie has more solo striker ability and can hold up play better than Hernandez, but the Mexican forward is unparalleled regarding his finishing amongst current Hammers.

The direct line between West Ham missing on Maxi Gomez and Hernandez being unveiled as the new #9 is not as directly linked as believed. Sure, a marquee signing at striker would be awesome to unveil holding the striker squad number, but with just one season left on his contract, it’s no harm, no foul if Hernandez takes the shirt.

This likely means the Hammers will go after younger striker targets to challenge Chicharito for starts and to then earn the #9 after his contract expires.

It isn’t an exciting move, keeping and promoting an aging player to that important squad number, but it may make sense in the long run. Chicharito is a proven Premier League player and with better insulation through an attacking midfield that features Jack Wilshere, Manuel Lanzini, and Pablo Fornals, he should be more impactful.

The only way this move is a negative one is if the team doesn’t sign another striker this summer. More options will motivate the hungry Hernandez to continuously perform and squad depth is needed for the senior team at striker. In the end, it’s just a number and after Chicharito’s contract expires at the end of the season, a new player will take up the position.