Guillermo Ochoa transfer: Mexico's heroic goalkeeper available on a free transfer THIS summer after thwarting Brazil on World Cup stage

 

Jack de Menezes
Wednesday 18 June 2014 14:30 BST
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Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saves an attempt at goal during a Group A football match between Brazil and Mexico in the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saves an attempt at goal during a Group A football match between Brazil and Mexico in the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza

Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was widely praised for his super-showing in their goalless draw with World Cup hosts Brazil, as he pulled off save after save to keep Neymar and Co at bay.

Ochoa put in one of the standout performances of the 2014 World Cup so far as he kept out two efforts from the poster boy of the tournament Neymar, as well as efforts from Paulinho and Thiago Silva.

Having been awarded the man-of-the-match award, Ochoa will hope to produce another sparkling performance in Mexico’s final Group A match against Croatia to secure their place in the last-16, but he will soon return to Europe to discover that a number of top clubs on the continent have been alerted to his services.

This is due to the 28-year-old’s contract with French side AC Ajaccio expiring at the end of the month, meaning Ochoa is free to negotiate a move to wherever he feels suitable. Ajaccio have been relegated from Ligue 1, and although the shot-stopper has hinted he would like to remain in France, a number of Premier League clubs are believed to have been alerted to his availability following his showing at the Estadio Castelao.

Ochoa admitted that he is open to leaving France if the move is right, and feels that his game has improved other the past few years that led to his excellent display against the Selecao.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, Ochoa said: “My priority is to stay in France, but I am open to any propositions. I have improved in the last three years, most notably in handling the pace of games.

“But I was used to top competition when I played in Mexico. I now need to play in the Champions League to be sure of my level.”

The man known as “Memo” by his international team-mates began his career with Mexican side America, spending seven years with the side after making his debut in 2004. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the club before heading to France in 2011, but his time with Ajaccio appears to have come to an end after they were relegated to Ligue 2.

He made six appearances for the Mexico Under-23 team at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, but has since gone on to make 60 appearances for his country’s senior side. Undoubtedly, he saved his best for the performance against Brazil, which could lead to him becoming the find of the tournament once proceedings in Brazil draw to a close.

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