Pranav Nair
Juventus to battle Valencia for Manchester United veteran Juan Mata
According to CalcioMercato (h/t JuveFC), Juventus have entered the race to sign Manchester United veteran Juan Mata.
The 32-year-old has been at United for almost seven years now. He signed an extension in the summer of 2019 but has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has made just 10 appearances this season.
With his contract set to expire in the season, Juventus are keen to once again take advantage of the Bosman market.
The Italian giants have been one of the most astute movers in the Bosman market of late. The likes of Emre Can, Adrian Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey all joined the Turin giants on a free in recent years.
With the likes of David Alaba, Lionel Messi, Giorginio Wijnaldum and Sergio Aguero among others all available this summer, it is one of the most exciting Bosman pool in recent times.
With the club’s wage list jam-packed with high earners, Juventus are in no position to make a move for the big names. In Mata, they can land a vastly experienced player for a fraction of the wage.
They will, however, have to compete with the likes of Valencia for Mata’s signature. The La Liga giants are struggling both on and off the field. (h/t The Sun)
Los Che were not only unable to pay players wages but are also in danger of relegation. More so owner Peter Lim is not a popular name among the fans.
The Valencia Mata could potentially return to is vastly different from the one he left in 2011 to join Chelsea. He could, however, have more of a shot at playing regularly at the Mestalla compared to the Allianz Stadium.
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United do have the option of extending the player’s contract by another year. However, with both Juventus and Valencia keen to sign Mata on a free, there is no reason to expect them to pay us for the Spaniard.
Given his diminished stats at the club, a parting of the ways would be the best way forward. Mata has served the club well for the better part of a decade now. It is time both sides moved on.
