Juan Mata signs with Western Sydney Wanderers on one-year deal on eve of 2024 A-League season

The Western Sydney Wanderers have pulled off one of the biggest signings in A-League's history – luring a former Manchester United and Chelsea star to the club.

The Wanderers have secured one of the biggest signings in A-League's history, signing former Manchester United star Juan Mata. Picture: Getty Images

Western Sydney Wanderers have pulled off one of the biggest signings in A-League's history – luring former Manchester United and Chelsea legend Juan Mata to the side on a one-year-deal.

The 36-year-old midfielder, who was part of the Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup, will bring plenty of experience to Alen Stajcic’s squad despite some labelling him past his prime.

Mata, who won a Champions League title with Chelsea and lifted the FA Cup with United, hasn’t played competitive football for almost 12 months.

After finishing with Manchester United in 2022 he joined the Turkish league, playing 16 matches, but only three starts. He then made a move to the J-League where he made just one appearance for Vissel Kobe – in September last year.

The Wanderers have secured one of the biggest signings in A-League's history, signing former Manchester United star Juan Mata. Picture: Getty Images

Regardless it is a massive signing coup for Western Sydney and the league – one to rival that of cross-town club Sydney FC who just last week revealed they had secured Douglas Costa’s signature.

Mata said he was excited for the move.

“I’m really excited to join the Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to ever win the Asian Champions League, and I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead,” Mata said.

“I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league.”

Stajcic described Mata as a “priceless” member of the squad.

“He is one of the most respected, gifted and awarded players of a generation and brings not only football talent and success rarely seen in Australian club football, but also a humility to share his experiences and insights,” he said.

“Juan will help our team perform “on the field” but even more critically, he will be an important figure in turbo charging the growth and development of our youthful squad.

“It’s a great day for our football club and I am sure all Wanderers fans will be excited to see what this team can deliver now.”

He's one of us ❤️🖤#WSWpic.twitter.com/SMmqFEjJ89

— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) September 5, 2024

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said Mata embodied everything the club stood for.

“Juan is a born winner and his football credentials speak for themselves. A successful squad needs a balance of emerging talent and experienced professionals. Juan has played at the most elite level of professional football in the world with the silverware to match,” he said.

“Off the pitch, we know that Juan will play a special role in guiding our next generation of players. The Wanderers Academy will continue to develop some of the best young players in the country and his experience will be invaluable in helping them get to the next level.

“We want to wish Juan and his family a very safe trip to Australia and look forward to seeing him in Western Sydney soon.”

The A-League is due to kick off on October 18.

Originally published as Juan Mata signs with Western Sydney Wanderers on one-year deal on eve of 2024 A-League season