Yesterday, Spanish side Málaga confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Memo Ochoa on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old caused a stir at this summer’s World Cup, looking particularly impressive for Mexico when they played out a goalless draw against Brazil.
In fact, it’s rather surprising that it took so long for a club to snap him up. Ochoa, who started his career in Mexico with Club América, has spent the last three seasons at Ajaccio. He signed on when the club had just been promoted to Ligue 1, but they were relegated at the end of last season. Ajaccio bid him goodbye after their last match, and Ochoa went to the World Cup knowing he needed to sell himself.
And that he did. Málaga were in need of a goalkeeper after Willy Caballero signed up to be Joe Hart’s replacement at Manchester City. After selling off a few of their stars last season, and losing manager Manuel Pellegrini to City as well, the Anchovies struggled in La Liga last season, ultimately finishing 11th. Now, they’re hoping for a return to the Champions League.