Juan Mata’s eight-month search for a new club is over, with reports suggesting the former Manchester United and Chelsea star is heading Down Under.
The veteran midfielder, now 36, left Japanese side Vissel Kobe in January after making just one appearance for the club, and was spotted training with Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland this summer while weighing up his options.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, is heading to Australia after signing with A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers.
‘After winning leagues in Turkey and Japan, Juan Mata has just signed in as new for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League,’ Romano tweeted on Thursday.
‘He’s aiming to win another championship in a different country, massive move for Australian football.’
After spending eight years at United – winning the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup – Mata headed to Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he won the Super Lig.
He then moved to Vissel Kobe last year, winning the J1 League despite having little impact on the pitch.
The 36-year-old was also recently part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Mata’s move follows another marquee signing for the A-League, with WSW’s rival club, Sydney FC, unveiling former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa earlier this week.
More to follow.
