Free agent Juan Mata looks set to stay in the Premier League with Leeds United following the expiration of his deal with Manchester United this summer.
According to Fichajes, Leeds United look set to sign veteran Spanish playmaker Juan Mata, who is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Manchester United this summer. The Whites will be Mata’s third club in the Premier League thus far in his illustrious career if the move goes through eventually.
Juan Mata’s eight-year stint with Manchester United came to an end this summer, with his contract expiring last month. The experienced playmaker’s time at Old Trafford saw him play 285 matches, scoring 51 times and assisting 47 goals in the process.
Mata also helped the Red Devils win a UEFA Europa League, an FA Cup and an EFL Cup during his eight-year stint with them. Before his move to Manchester United, Mata shone at Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, winning the UEFA Champions League and a Europa League with the west London club.
The Real Madrid youth product is now set to stay in the Premier League, with Leeds United closing in on his signature. The Spaniard, who earned €10 million per season at Manchester United, might have to take a pay cut to join the West Yorkshire club. However, Mata will still earn more than he would have at one of the Spanish clubs that were showing interest in him.
Sevilla and Real Betis were keeping tabs on the veteran Spanish playmaker, but they will seemingly miss out on him, with the midfielder now reportedly just a step away from joining Leeds, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. The 34-year-old could be their second free signing of the summer, after the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Joel Robles on a Bosman move earlier this summer.
Earlier reports had claimed that Manchester United were thinking of offering Mata a coaching role. However, that has not materialised, clearly with the experienced Spanish playmaker looking set to continue his playing career. The Red Devils have seen all three of Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic leave on free transfers in the ongoing window, with Mata another one joining them.
