Port Vale have boosted their attacking options at a key stage of the season with the permanent signing of former Charlton winger Onel Hernández, adding proven top-flight pedigree to Jon Brady’s squad.
The 33-year-old joins initially until the end of the campaign, arriving at Vale Park as the club continues to balance cup momentum with a congested league schedule.
Hernández arrives with a CV that stands out at this level. A Cuban international with 15 caps, Hernández has made 26 Premier League appearances and was the first Cuban player to both feature and score in the competition during his time with Norwich City. In total, he made 191 league appearances for the Canaries across seven seasons, contributing 11 goals and playing a key role in two Championship promotion campaigns.
Most recently, Hernández spent the first half of the season with Charlton Athletic, making six league appearances before departing following the conclusion of his short-term deal in January. Prior to that, he had loan spells at Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, gaining further Championship experience across multiple systems and roles, including wing-back and advanced wide positions.
Port Vale currently sit in the bottom half of the League One table but remain competitive across competitions, with recent form showing a mix of narrow defeats and morale-boosting victories. Progress in the Vertu Trophy has been a clear positive, and Hernández is set to link up with his new team-mates immediately, ahead of the quarter-final tie against Stockport County.
Speaking after confirming the deal, manager Jon Brady highlighted the experience and versatility Hernández brings to the group.
“It’s fantastic to have Onel on board. He’s another player whose experience and quality speaks for itself, and I know he can’t wait to get started here. He’ll add another dimension to the team and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Hernández’s signing makes him the seventh addition of Brady’s tenure, reinforcing a squad that has already shown it can rise to the occasion in knockout football. His pace, direct running, and ability to operate on either flank offer Vale tactical flexibility, particularly against sides who look to sit deep or dominate possession.
From a statistical standpoint, Hernández brings a significant body of experience. Across his senior career, he has made over 400 competitive appearances, scoring 35 goals, while also registering assists in promotion-winning sides at Championship level. For Cuba, he has four goals in 15 internationals, including strikes in World Cup qualification and CONCACAF Nations League competition.
Hernández at Port Vale
While his role may initially be managed carefully, the expectation is that Hernández’s intelligence off the ball and composure in possession will allow him to make an immediate contribution, both on the pitch and within the dressing room.
Port Vale have already extended a warm welcome to Hernández and his family, and with a busy run of league and cup fixtures ahead, his arrival represents a timely injection of experience, quality, and know-how as the season enters a decisive phase.
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