In what comes as something of a shock, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Manchester United’s Juan Mata. The Spaniard has been at United since his move from Chelsea in 2013.
Current boss Jose Mourinho was the one to the Spaniard go from Stamford Bridge back in 2013. However, since the Portuguese took over at Old Trafford, Mata has become an integral part of the squad. He was bought in the January transfer window by former manager David Moyes, who recently took over at West Ham United.
Mata’s relationship with Mourinho appears to have become better since their Chelsea days. The pair enjoy a healthy relationship on and off the pitch. This situation makes Real Madrid’s interest even more surprising given how Mata hasn’t been a consistent starter at United.
Real Madrid are planning a shock move for Juan Mata, whose Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season. (Source: Daily Express) pic.twitter.com/pFPSSDcC8v
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 8, 2017
Juan Mata’s contract expires in the summer
United fans have been demanding that Mata get a consistent run of games in the team. But that hasn’t happened and he was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad against Chelsea, a game which United lost 1-0. The 29-year-old’s contract is up in the summer, which hasn’t really been a major talking point in the media until now.
The Daily Express reported that Los Blancos are observing the developments in Mata’s situation. If nothing works out before January, Zinedine Zidane will be free to talk to the former Madrid youngster in the upcoming transfer window.
Mata has enjoyed a healthy relationship with Mourinho so far.
Mata has always been out wide by Mourinho, a position in which the former Valencia man cannot excel. He has rarely been played in the no.10 role where he can dictate the play and link up attackers at will.
Despite his age of 29, Mata feels his best years are still going to continue. The Spaniard feels that he can continue at the top for years to come. He recently said,”It’s gone quickly, to be honest. I made my professional debut when I was 18 in Real Madrid’s second team, and then in Valencia in the first division when I was 19″.
Aside from football, Mata has also been the founder of a very positive project called Common Goal. His aim with this initiative is to donate 1% of his salary to football charities around the world. Many superstars including Mats Hummels, Giorgio Chiellini have joined this noble cause with Mata.
Author’s take
With Mata yet to sign a contract extension, anything could happen. A return to La Liga seems likely for Mata, who has been a star in the Premier League since joining in 2011. If Mourinho doesn’t opt to extend the Spaniard’s contract, he will certainly be a very useful player for any top Spanish side, including Real Madrid.
