He's a CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNER but he's STILL without a club
One of the best playes of his generation is still to find a new club to show his talent after being released this summer
He was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for a long time, but now he's still to find a new club. A week before the start of the new LaLiga season and days after the Premier League has already resumed, Juan Mata is still without a club.
The talented 34 year old midfielder first joined the English league from Spain over a decade ago, when he switched from the club where he first burst into the scene, Valencia, to Chelsea. He proved an instant success for the Blues, and even if he'd leave just three seasons later to join Manchester United, it was enough for the Spaniard to collect three pieces of silverware, the 2011-12 FA Cup, the 2012-13 Europa League and the most important conquest of his career at club level, the 2011-12 Champions League.
Juan Mata became an European champion with Chelsea in 2012
He would continue to be a valuable asset for Manchester United across the seven seasons he spent with the Red Devils, also picking up some trophies like the 2016-17 Europa League. However, the World Cup winner with Spain was let go after his contract expired at the end of last season, and with most top European leagues having already started or being on the cusp of kick-off, he remains a free agent.
However, Mata has a clear objective for his future: remaining in Europe, if possible in a top club. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, he's rejected approaches from the MLS and other potential exotic destinations in hopes of landing a top offer. The Spaniard wants to squeeze every last bit of football remaining in him, and wants to do it at a big club.
Mata was part of Spain's historic 2010 World Cup squad
So far he's weighing up offers from Leeds United in the Premier League and Real Betis for a return to LaLiga. After Raphinha's departure to Barcelona, the Whites will need a creative outlet with a pedigree, while Betis has shown plenty of potential, but lack perhaps the economic muscle to carry his contract. However, as the window slowly comes to a close, he's more than likely to get other offers as he becomes a neat extra addition to any club looking for a bit of creativity. Juan Mata isn't done quite yet.
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