Brazilian football could welcome another player with extensive European experience and World Cup appearances. Guillermo Ochoa, the 38-year-old Mexican goalkeeper (turning 39 on July 13), is set to become a free agent from Salernitana, which was relegated to Serie B in Italy this season.
According to Globo Esporte, “Memo” has been offered to Corinthians, a Brazilian giant in need of a goalkeeper following the departure of their historic keeper, Cássio. The Timão seems compelled to reinforce their goalkeeping position, as Carlos Miguel also appears to be on his way out of the São Paulo club.
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The 25-year-old goalkeeper is expected to continue his career in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest close to securing his signing. The transfer window in Brazil opens on July 10, but Miguel’s transfer could occur earlier since European clubs can sign players from the beginning of the month.
Ochoa fits the profile sought by the management, who prefer an experienced goalkeeper to take the starting position from the outset. However, other options are also being considered at the Neo Química Arena, such as Santos, an Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2020 who is currently a substitute at Fortaleza. He has a contract until the end of 2026, but his lack of playing time could facilitate negotiations.
Another foreign goalkeeper offered to Timão was the Argentine Esteban Andrada (33 years old), formerly of Boca Juniors and currently with Rayados de Monterrey in Mexico. Other names linked to the team include Adriel (Bahia, 23 years old) and Hugo Souza (Chaves, 25 years old).
Currently, the goalkeeping options available to Corinthians in their squad (excluding Miguel) are Matheus Donelli, who has a contract until mid-2028, and Felipe Longo, from the U-20 national team.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
