Just when you thought the sports world was slowly coming down from the shock NBA trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, the soccer universe gets its own blockbuster move seeing Cucho Hernandez leave the Columbus Crew for Real Betis, as Pipe Sierra first reported, with Tom Bogert following. The deal is reported to be around 16 million dollars, according to Bogert.

Hernandez, 25, joined the Black & Gold during the summer of 2022, scoring his first goal in his debut match against the Chicago Fire, tallying nine goals and three assists in 16 games played (14 starts).

Hernandez would up his production in 2023, helping lead the Crew to their third MLS Cup in franchise history and their first under head coach Wilfried Nancy. Hernandez was named the MLS Cup MVP, after posting 21 goals and 13 assists during the regular season and the playoffs.

Last season, the Colombian forward missed being named the Landon Donovan MVP behind Lionel Messi, posting 19 goals and 14 assists during the regular season in over 2,000+ minutes played.

In 92 matches played for the Black & Gold across all competitions, Hernandez tallied 58 goals, earning back-to-back MLS Best XI selections.

Hernandez, who hails from Pereira, Columbia joined the Crew from Watford FC where he tallied five goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. He made his Club debut against Aston Villa, scoring just 49 seconds after coming off the bench, which proved to be the game-winning goal. That goal was the first scored by a Colombian in their Premier League debut.

“Cucho has played a key role in our Club’s recent success, and we thank him for the everlasting memories he created for our city and for our supporters,” Crew General Manager Issa Tall said in a statement.

“When we first signed Cucho, he was eager for a chance to fully display his dynamic skillset in Columbus. 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.”

During his international career, Hernandez has earned five caps for the Colombia national team, most recently in October against Bolivia in CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. He made his Los Cafeterias debut in 2018 in a friendly against Costa Rica, scoring two goals in a 3-1 win.

Cucho’s deal with Real Betis goes until 2030, setting him up for a hopeful return to the Colombian national team in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup back stateside.