Argentine Away: Hernandez Transferred To Bolivian Club

York United has cleared an additional international roster spot with the transfer of midfielder Mateo Hernandez, who now joins Bolivian top flight side CD Real Tomayapo.

The details of the transfer were not disclosed by the club.

The 24-year-old had signed with York United in October 2020, but a sequence of visa and travel difficulties meant that he only embarked on his first Nine Stripes campaign this season. His belated debut finally came in this year’s home opener against Halifax, with Hernandez seeing a red card spoil his debut.

The Argentine midfielder was called upon to play in a variety of positions throughout the campaign as York United struggled with a plethora injuries, with the 24-year-old wrapping up his season with 19 appearances across all competitions, contributing one assist.

He isn’t the only Nine Stripes international to endure a quiet end to his Canadian chapter, with the club having also released Martin Graiciar following the conclusion of the campaign, while Tobias Warschewski looks like he won’t have his option activated.

“Mateo’s time with us was a little disrupted,” admitted Club President Angus McNab. 2021 was very challenging with the prolonged visa situation he faced but he never complained, just rolled his sleeves up and got going at both Pantoja and Guadalupe.”

“This year he never really found a rhythm because of the injury he suffered in pre-season and then his suspension early on. His versatility was really useful for us as a team but it also meant he didn’t get to nail down a spot as his own. He’s a fantastic guy and this transfer was the best move for all parties, especially given his desire to be closer to his family. We wish him every success in the future.”

York United currently has sixteen players on the books for the 2023 CPL season, with two high-profile domestic departures in Isaiah Johnston and Dominick Zator being confirmed recently.

The club must still decide on its option decisions for internationals Azriel Gonzalez, Kevin Dos Santos, Lisandro Cabrera, Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio, Sebastian Gutierrez, Tobias Warschewski, and William Wallace.

The details of Mateo’s move to CD Real Tomayapo were not disclosed by the club.