Spanish playmaker Juan Mata, whose Manchester United contract will be up in the summer, reportedly wants a summer move to La Liga champions Barcelona.
If the report from Spanish publication Sport is to be believed, Juan Mata is in no mood to commit his future to Manchester United. His contract is up for expiry in the summer and while he has been linked with several other clubs, the Spanish playmaker reportedly prefers a move to La Liga champions Barcelona.
The report states that Juan Mata has rejected every extension offer presented by Manchester United thus far and has several offers on the table. Barcelona and Mata did have negotiations earlier in January but have agreed to resume contract talks after the end of their Champions League campaign, which happened on Tuesday night in what was a wondrous night for Liverpool fans at Anfield.
Juan Mata joined Manchester United from Chelsea in January, 2013 as David Moyes attempted to rescue his maiden season as Manchester United manager, an attempt which ultimately failed. Mata though, has since been a regular presence in the dressing room for United despite the managerial merry-go-round that has been happening at the club.
But, the Spaniard has failed to lock down a regular place in the starting eleven under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was absent from action under the former United player, with Mata only back in the last few matches for Manchester United.
His performances though, have matched the current level that other players have been producing, which has seen United slip from being confident of notching up a top four place to confirming no Champions League football for the upcoming season.
With his contract up at the end of the season, Manchester United have reportedly offered a new deal to Mata. But, the Spanish playmaker wants a two-year deal and is not interested in talks that involve only a one-year extension.
Barcelona have been confirmed as the La Liga champions for the 2018-19 campaign and were on course for a treble, if not for the magical comeback produced by Liverpool from being 3-0 down to winning 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-final to destroy the treble dream.
Ernesto Valverde is now looking to add options to his squad that will allow him to rotate well, with people citing the lack of rest provided to key stars as the reason for their continuing inability to secure the aggregate win despite a big first-leg advantage.
While the report does not state whether Barcelona will be ready to offer a two-year deal to Mata, it should not be too much of a problem, with the Spanish playmaker set to cost them nothing, if they do agree a contract with the 31-year-old. For now, the report hints that talks are set to resume between Mata and Barcelona, with the Manchester United playmaker preferring a move back to his homeland to play for the current La Liga champions.
Manchester United’s demise in the Premier League circuit and inability to challenge for trophies could also push Mata towards Barcelona, with Solskjaer set to start what will be another rebuild attempt since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
