Rijo Sam Daniel
Barcelona target Manchester United star Juan Mata for summer transfer amid player interest
According to Daily Star, Barcelona have identified Manchester United ace, Juan Mata, as a transfer target in the summer of 2022 amidst interest from the player himself. He has found it challenging to earn minutes this season and that has continued to be the same under Ralf Rangnick.
Mata has a contract with the Red Devils that will expire at the end of the current campaign. That opens up an opportunity for the financially stricken Barca, who cannot afford a fortune to spend in the January transfer window. That is if Man United would not terminate the current contract.
The Spanish side failed to get the 33-year-old last summer after he had signed an extension with United. He could be on the way out as there have been no signs that Rangnick counts on him moving forward. The Spain international is also interested in moving to Camp Nou, which could facilitate a transfer in the future.
Far-fetched?
Those who followed the La Liga club would know that the wingers are asked to give width and use their pace to exploit opponents. While Mata isn’t the quickest one around anymore, his technical ability and versatility can make him a good option to have at Camp Nou.
And this can be an opportunity for us to get a fringe player off our books who, in all honesty, doesn’t seem like he has a future here. If there is even a slim opportunity to eke out a fee for Mata, it would certainly be an added bonus.
We have enough cover in our ranks to make up for his absence while at 33, it’s not like he is in the prime of his career. Freeing up our wage bill is something we should consider if we want to chase some of the top names in the near future.
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As for the Catalan giants, Mata could still offer an option in games where there is high rotation, but it seems his time has come to an end in general at top-level football. Failure to get minutes at Old Trafford has also ensured the premature demise of his international career. His last appearance for La Roja came in November 2016.
However, the interest from Barcelona and the move next summer should only be considered after getting more confirmation.
