With the World Cup now over, many of Mexico's most prominent players have now set their sights on their next European season. There's no shortage of names here, so without further ado, here's a quick 2018-19 season preview of Mexico's most noteworthy European-based players.
FW Hirving Lozano, PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
With each passing day, it appears more and more likely that Lozano's move to a bigger European club will have to wait. That said, a second Eredivisie season with PSV wouldn't hurt as the 23-year-old star could still garner playing time in the UEFA Champions League if PSV make it through the play-offs.
DF Carlos Salcedo, Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
After a commendable showing in the World Cup, Salcedo's next goal should be to aim to solidify a starting spot with Eintracht Frankfurt. Enticing opportunities for Bundesliga and Europa League minutes lie ahead for the young defender who helped his team claim a German Cup title last season.
MF Marco Fabian, Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
Now that he is fully fit, the attack-minded midfielder will once again have a chance to become one of the more important players for Die Adler. Mexico and Eintracht Frankfurt fans will keep their fingers crossed that they will see the same Fabian who thrived in the 2016-17 Bundesliga season.
DF Hector Moreno, Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Now given time to adjust with a short preseason behind him, it will be interesting to see if Moreno can begin to thrive with Real Sociedad. As long as he stays healthy, the 30-year-old has all of the capabilities of a defender who could stand out and take charge in La Liga.
FW Javier Hernandez, West Ham United (English Premier League)
The big question is whether Manuel Pellegrini will have more faith in Hernandez than former West Ham manager David Moyes. If not, the upcoming EPL season will once again be a long and uneventful one for the talented striker.
MF Miguel Layun, Villarreal (La Liga)
Finally released from Porto obscurity, Layun will now seek to shine in a Spanish club that is also set to take part in the Europa League. Whether it be as a winger, a midfielder or a defender, the versatile Mexican will be one to keep an eye on in the next several months.
DF Nestor Araujo, Celta Vigo (La Liga)
After impressing for club and country in recent years, Araujo was given a deserved move to Spain over the summer to Celta Vigo. Under the guidance of ex-Monterrey manager Antonio Mohamed, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the 26-year-old quickly makes a name for himself in his first season abroad.
FW Jesus Corona, Porto (Primeira Liga)
Now entering his fourth season with Porto, it appears as though it's time for Corona to truly flex his muscle. Looking back at his time with the club, the only issue that has held back the 25-year-old is inconsistency. With an opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League, will "Tecatito" prosper or flounder?
MF Hector Herrera, Porto (Primeira Liga)
With one year left on his contract, it's somewhat of a surprise that Porto haven't tried to sell Herrera. Nonetheless, the fact that he's team captain might make him far too valuable for the Portuguese side that will not only take part in the UEFA Champions League, but will also attempt to retain the league title.
DF Oswaldo Alanis, Getafe (La Liga)
Despite the fact that this isn't a perplexing move, it is also fair to wonder if Alanis has the talent to shine in La Liga. Only time will tell if the former Chivas player will be able to exceed expectations and blossom abroad.
MF Andres Guardado, Real Betis (La Liga)
The veteran should have no problems excelling in his second year with Real Betis. After helping his club earn a Europa League-worthy position of sixth last season, it will be fascinating to see if Guardado can help carry his team to greater heights in the upcoming tournament.
FW Raul Jimenez, Wolverhampton Wanderers (English Premier League)
Will this finally be the season in which Jimenez earns a starting role for a European squad? Keeping in mind that Wolves tend to play with a familiar three-man frontline, and that Jimenez has flourished in recent friendlies, a starting spot isn't out of reach for the 27-year-old. On the biggest stage of his club career, this could be his breakout European season.
GK Guillermo Ochoa, Standard Liege (Jupiler Pro League)
By the time this article is published, a much-rumored transfer to Napoli might already be finalized. Even if Ochoa ends up staying with Standard Liege, the goalkeeper will still have an intriguing yet complicated chance at glory through the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
MF Omar Govea, Porto (Primeira Liga)
After a season on loan with Royal Excel Mouscron, there has yet to be any confirmation that the Belgian club exercised their option to buy the young Mexican. Whether Porto decides to hold onto the midfielder who is still under contract, or attempts to move him elsewhere, remains up in the air.
MF Uriel Antuna, Groningen (Eredivisie)
In a team that struggled as much as it did last season, it's imperative that Antuna begins to earn more than just a handful of starts. If nothing changes, his relevance to the Mexican national team will only continue to dwindle.
DF Diego Reyes, Free agent
Reyes was last seen in Mexico City over the weekend attending a game if his former team, Club America. Although his name has been linked with rumors all across Europe, the 25-year-old free agent has yet to sign with a new squad.
Other Mexican players to follow: DF Antonio Briseno, Feirense (Primeira Liga), FW Joao Maleck, Porto B (LigaPro), MF Jorge Enriquez, Omonia (Cypriot First Division).