We covered this story even before the World Cup. During the tournament when Ochoa saved that penalty taken by Robert Lewandowski his long time agent Jorge Berlanga took a shot at Club America on social media, saying that it was unbelievable that the best Mexican goalkeeper of all time had not resigned with the team. Contract talks seem to be ongoing. Club America are reportedly willing to give Ochoa a new 2 year contract to remain with the Club. What’s the hold up, and what are the other options for Ochoa, and for Club America at this point?
Ochoa May Want To Explore The MLS Route
With most players we can talk about money being the main driving force behind their decisions. That’s not a knock on any player. It’s their right to be compensated handsomely or according to their worth for that matter. Ochoa though could be looking at different situations. For one, he’s been someone who’s willing to take less money to go on different adventures. He played in Belgium, and he had that stint with Granada that didn’t go so well. Maybe at this point he’s looking for a new challenge. As well as a new experience for his family. Something that seems to drive Ochoa a lot. The MLS could very well be that experience that he wants to look into.
Another issue that could be stalling the contract talks is the length of the contract. As we mentioned, rumors indicate that Club America’s offer was for 2 years. Perhaps Ochoa is looking for something that will guarantee him a spot for 3 and a half years at the very least. Why would he be looking for that? Well, it’s 3 and a half years now until the next World Cup. He could become the first player to go to 6 of them! That may be something that’s on the back of his mind, and why he has yet to re-sign with Club America.
Club America Have A Couple of Options Lined Up If Ochoa Doesn’t Re-Sign With Them
There are two main options that have been thrown out there as potential replacements for Ochoa if he in fact does not re-sign. It did seem awkward that Club America would decide to let go of long time backup Oscar Jimenez. He had always proven that he was up to the challenge when called upon. Even if the team didn’t see him as their long term answer he could’ve been a good safety blanket. His contract expired as well though, and they let him walk to Necaxa. Jimenez is an odd character though.
The number option to replace Ochoa at Club America is Atlas’ Camilo Vargas. The problem for Vargas is that he’s losing steam at this point. If Ochoa does resign he could be stuck at Atlas because of his age. He’s in his 30s also. Even though he was rumored to be linked to Cruz Azul at one point, Vargas should’ve looked to move in this window before he gets once again stuck between the sticks of a bad Atlas team. Which, by all accounts it seems like we’re going to get.
Agustin Marchesin is still on Club America’s radar. He could be looking at the situation closely as well. He recently moved to Celta de Vigo and has started for the team. The problem is, Celta looks like a squad that’s going to get relegated if something amazing doesn’t happen in the next few months. Club America could be a soft landing spot for Marchesin. Ultimately everyone is waiting on Ochoa and what’s going to happen there, but Club America only has a month to sort this out!
