Signing Guillermo Ochoa Would Be A Smart Move For MLS

The MLS has long been viewed as a league that focus more on marketing instead of quality when it comes to signings.

That perception has changed a bit over the past few seasons. However, there’s still a sense of something that could be called “market-value” when it comes to the league. After all, the MLS is an authentic money-making machine that is on the rise year after year. And this is especially true when it comes to the arrival of Mexican players.

Marco Fabian has been an absolute star at Philadelphia Union. Giovani dos Santos WAS a huge star for Los Angeles Galaxy. And we already wrote about Carlos Vela’s MVP-level season in 2019. And another Mexican star could be close to land stateside soon. We’re talking about Mexico’s starting goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

The former Club America star is currently playing for Standard Liege in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. He was linked with a move to Napoli this past summer, but now all signs indicate he’s ready to make a move to the MLS. And there are suitors after him. Reportedly, both Chicago Fire and expansion side Nashville SC have expressed interest on his arrival.

How much of a boost would Ochoa represent for the MLS?

There’s no question landing Ochoa would be a huge success for any franchise that signs him, although he would fit better in a bigger market such as Chicago. A well-known player at the CONCACAF level due to his strong performances with Mexico, Ochoa wouldn’t be a stranger for most fans, and he would attract a huge Mexican market to the club that signs him.

Plus, we can’t leave the footballing side of things aside. Chicago were linked with a move for Iker Casillas a few years ago, and they’ve been looking for a world-class goalkeeper for a very long time. Ochoa fits the mold perfectly. He has a lot of experience at the highest level, and has been playing in Europe for several years now. The 33-year-old – who has the first-ever Mexican goalkeeper to play on European soil – would instantly become one of the top goalkeepers in the league.

It remains to be seen which side will sign him – and if he ever leaves Standard Liege this summer. But if that’s the case, then making an MLS switch would be the logical step. It would be a great move for all parties involved.