Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has signed for American club Atletico Dallas, who have never played a game.
Atletico Dallas were only founded in November 2024 and are a brand new expansion side set to join the USL Championship.
Ahead of the 2027 season, the second tier of the United States football ladder is adding one extra club to its league.
There are also four new teams joining the USL (United Soccer League) League One at the start of the new campaign.
The Dallas outfit will be competing in the Championship and preparations are being ramped up for their maiden game.
Player and staff recruitment only started this year, with plans in place to hold trials to find people suitable to join the club.
Man United pre-season on MUTV
Fans can watch Michael Carrick prepare for the new season and how the squad is shaping up across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.
MUTV is the home of all Manchester United pre-season fixtures. It’s the opportunity to watch new faces, young players, returning names, tactical clues and the first signs of what United might become over the next season.
MUTV on Sky: £7 extra a month. Existing Sky TV customers only. 31 day rolling contract. Cancel anytime with 31 days’ notice. Requires compatible Sky Q or Sky Stream boxes.
But they won’t need a try-out for their first transfer in the club’s history, as they’re bringing in a name that is known worldwide.
Hernandez, also known as Chicharito, has signed for Atletico Dallas.
The 38-year-old has become their first and only player, starting his career at the club by helping contribute to their project.
He won’t make his full debut in Texas until March 2027, when the USL Championship season starts, leaving him with eight months to watch the team get built around him.
4
Chicharito has not played for a club since his contract with Mexican side Guadalajara expired in December last year.
But the ex-Man United and Real Madrid striker will now continue his career by taking a unique opportunity.
‘I didn’t come here to finish my career’
Speaking after his arrival at Atletico Dallas was confirmed, he said: “I’ve been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience. I’ve worn some of the biggest shirts in the world and played in incredible stadiums in front of passionate supporters.
“Opportunities like this, though, are different.”
Hernandez added: “I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for football, its diversity, and its future. I want to help create a winning culture, inspire young players across North Texas, and give our supporters a team they can believe in from the very beginning.
“I didn’t come here simply to finish my career. I came here to help build the future of football in Dallas.”
4
Chicharito’s history-making move
As mentioned, Chicharito left Guadalajara at the end of 2025, after taking his club appearances to 121 following a second stint.
Before that, he played in the MLS with LA Galaxy, so he will have experience of the football pyramid in the USA.
Hernandez headed to LA in 2020 from Sevilla, whom he signed for when leaving West Ham and the Premier League.
He spent two years with the Hammers, scoring 17 goals in 63 games in all competitions, having joined from Bayer Leverkusen.
The forward played the most games in his career for Man United though, featuring 157 times and scoring 59 goals in five years.
On top of his club career, Chicharito also remains Mexico’s all-time top goalscorer, seven years after international retirement.
4
He netted 52 goals in 109 caps for his country from 2009 to 2019.
Now, Hernandez takes a unique step towards the end of his playing days, signing for Atletico Dallas in a historic transfer.
His latest move comes after he worked as a pundit during the 2026 World Cup in the United States this summer.
