Theo Hernandez – who Newcastle almost signed – has hit the headlines after reaching the World Cup final with France.
The 25-year-old scored the opening goal as France defeated Morocco by a 2-0 scoreline in the semi-final on Wednesday evening, putting his name up in lights as a result.
So, who is Theo Hernandez? Let’s take a look…
Who is Theo Hernandez?
Well, the France international plays his football for AC Milan at club level, making a name for himself as one of the best left-backs in Europe as a result of his stunning performances.
Hernandez specifically excels going forward, scoring five goals while also providing ten assists in 41 appearances last season as AC Milan won the Serie A title.
The Italian giants paid just €20m (£18m) when signing the attacking left-back from Real Madrid in 2019.
The Marseille-born defender has now won 12 caps for France, and is within touching distance of his first World Cup glory having missed out on the 2018 World Cup squad.
Hernandez also has a brother in the France squad, Lucas Hernandez, who unfortunately saw his World Cup ended during the 4-1 win over Australia in Group D after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Theo Hernandez profile
Full name: Théo Bernard François Hernandez
Age: 25
Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Nationality: France
Place of birth: Marseille
Date of birth: 6th October 1997
Club: AC Milan
Position: Left-back
Salary: £82,000-a-week
Brother: Lucas Hernandez
Theo Hernandez ethnicity
A number of people have asked about the ethnicity of Hernandez on Google.
The Frenchman was, as aforesaid, born in Marseille, although he is said to have strong Spanish roots, and likely belongs to the Spanish Basque, according to one source.
Newcastle wanted Theo Hernandez
Interestingly, Hernandez was the subject of interest from Newcastle back in January as the Magpies looked to spend their newfound wealth at the time, following their Saudi Arabian takeover.
It was Calciomercato in Italy who revealed that Newcastle were willing to spend £59m to sign the Frenchman from AC Milan, while Antonio Conte was also targeted to replace Steve Bruce.
Neither move materialised, but as Newcastle find themselves third in the Premier League under Eddie Howe, they won’t care too much about missing out.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
