Chicharito not returning to LA Galaxy in 2024 after contract expires

Chicharito will depart the LA Galaxy this winter when his contract expires, the club announced Friday.

The news doesn’t come as a surprise, with the 35-year-old advancing into the twilight of his career and recovering from a torn ACL suffered in June, but it is now official.

“We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,” Galaxy coach and sporting director Greg Vanney said in a club statement. “In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club on and off the field. We wish him all the best moving forward.”

Gracias por todo, @CH14_ 💙🤍💛
The #LAGalaxy have parted ways with forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
📰:
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 3, 2023

Chicharito joined the Galaxy from Sevilla for a reported transfer fee of around $9.5 million ahead of the 2020 season. One of the highest-paid players in MLS, the forward had 39 goals and seven assists in 83 appearances. The club missed the playoffs in three of his four seasons.

Mexico’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 109 caps, Chicharito will be a free agent this winter. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chivas player has had a stellar career, with more than 500 appearances and 200 goals across all his stops.

For the Galaxy, they now have two designated player spots open for a huge offseason as they look to retool for 2024. The club previously announced winger Douglas Costa would be departing this winter as well.

The club’s lone DP is attacking midfielder Riqui Puig, one of the best players in MLS.

The Galaxy missed the playoffs in 2023, finishing 13th in the Western Conference. The club dealt with injuries to several starters, including Chicharito.