Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for La Liga clubs Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Valencia.
According to a report from Fichajes, La Liga clubs Real Sociedad, Real Betis, and Valencia are eyeing a summer swoop for Manchester United superstar Juan Mata, who is out of contract in the summer.
Mata signed for Manchester United in the January transfer window of 2014 from arch-rivals Chelsea in a deal worth around £37.5 million. However, the Spanish attacking midfielder was never utilised correctly at Old Trafford by any managers, be it David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Despite being played out of position or overlooked completely in some cases, Mata has proven to be a valuable player for Manchester United. A fan favourite, the Spaniard has made 283 appearances so far for the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and setting up 47 more for his teammates. The 34-year-old has hardly been utilised over the past couple of years and has featured just ten times this season.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the former Chelsea ace is set to depart Old Trafford and seemingly played his last home game for Manchester United on Monday, putting on a fine show against Brentford.
Juan Mata says what looks like his final farewell to the Manchester United fans. ? pic.twitter.com/9zgxd486v3
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) May 2, 2022
There had been talks of Manchester United offering Mata a coaching role at the club. However, he seems to be primed for an exit in the summer as a free agent. The 34-year-old Spaniard has attracted interest from Italy, with clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan keen.
Now, the playmaker is also being linked with a move back to his homeland, where Real Betis, Real Sociedad and former club Valencia are also keen on signing Mata on a Bosman deal before the start of the next season.
Both Real Betis and Real Sociedad are likely to play European football in the upcoming campaign and wish to add a playmaker of Mata’s quality and experience to the roster to aid them in their journey in continental competitions. As for Valencia, they are hoping to re-sign their former star to help the club out of their current muddle.
It remains to be seen where Mata ends up in the summer transfer window, but the curtains seem all set to fall on his career at Manchester United.
