Things don’t look all too good for Juan Mata as Louis van Gaal seems set to leave Manchester United and Jose Mourinho is primed to take over next season. The Portuguese manager was without a club since getting sacked by Chelsea this season but seems set to make Manchester his new home in the upcoming campaign.
Louis van Gaal did use Juan Mata effectively, even if he was shifted out wide and not played down the middle. Mata for his part has committed his future to the club even if Mourinho does come but the former Chelsea manager did sell Mata when he was at Chelsea and he would be doing the same again.
Mata, 28 at the moment, could still be a great option for many clubs and he should be contemplating his future. We look at three clubs who could do with the services of the Spanish star.
Chelsea
Why not go back to the club where he won two player of the season awards? Chelsea was primed for Juan Mata in those three years he spent at the club and with a new manager coming in, he could be the spark in attack that they have missed this season.
A front trio of Mata, Eden Hazard and Willian with a top quality striker at the tip would be perfect for Antonio Conte and would also be one of the best attacks in the Premier League. Jose has sold big players for big money and this could be another such deal he pulls off with Mata.
Valencia
There is no place like home! Juan Mata was one of the stars in a Valencia team that boasted even David Silva and David Villa. While many have raised an issue about the financial issues at the La Liga club, their new owner could still be looking to bring in some good talent as the side look to rebuild for the future.
Mata could still do a great job at the club and this would also give him a chance to star in a team which is young and an experienced head, who knows the club and city well, would be fantastic for them.
Juventus
Mata has also been linked with a move to the Italian champions and with Paul Pogba being linked with a move away from the team, the Spanish ace could be the one pulling the strings in attack with a rejigged formation next season.
This is the other big league that Mata has not played in and whatever you do say about the quality, Juventus is one of the bigger sides in the world. Mata would be an exceptional signing for the Turin giants and his lack of pace wouldn’t be as much of an issue in Italy as in the other leagues.