Charlton Athletic have bolstered their squad with the signing of Onel Hernandez, the former Norwich City winger, on a short-term contract. The 32-year-old Cuban international joins the Addicks as they look to solidify their position in League One, where they currently sit seventh and remain unbeaten in their last three matches. Read more about Manning Urges Norwich City Fans: 'We’re Miles Away' from Promotion.
Hernandez's move to The Valley follows a commendable seven-year spell with Norwich City, during which he made 210 appearances and scored 15 goals. His contributions were pivotal in the club's two Championship title victories, demonstrating his ability to perform consistently at a high level.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter, Hernandez remarked, “I’m really happy to be here. I’ve known the coach [Nathan Jones] for a long time and I’ve played against his teams. He’s a very good coach who knows what he wants from his players. As soon as I had a conversation with Nathan, I knew straight away that it was something I wanted to be a part of.” This connection with Jones could prove beneficial, as their prior interactions may translate into effective teamwork on the pitch.
Before his time at Norwich, Hernandez honed his skills in Germany, featuring for clubs such as Arminia Bielefeld, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, and Eintracht Braunschweig. He also had a loan spell at Middlesbrough during the early part of the 2021-22 season before finishing that campaign at Birmingham City. Additionally, Hernandez has made 14 appearances for the Cuban national team, scoring four goals, further underscoring his experience and capabilities.
Charlton supporters will be keen to see how Hernandez can enhance their attacking options as they pursue promotion this season. His experience in the Championship and beyond could play a crucial role in the Addicks' aspirations. With Hernandez’s flair and skill set, his arrival may well mark a turning point in Charlton's campaign as they strive for success in League One.