Juan Mata’s A-League future uncertain despite Western Sydney wanting to retain the Spanish star
Juan Mata has attracted interest from a few A-League clubs despite his lack of game time this season with Western Sydney Wanderers.
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Spanish star Juan Mata has been offered a one-year contract extension by Western Sydney despite his lack of game time at the Wanderers this season.
Mata, who turns 37 on Monday, wants to extend his decorated career by at least one more season, whether it’s in Australia or abroad.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder, who won a FIFA World Cup with Spain in 2010, arrived in Sydney with much fanfare in September and had been expected to play a key role for the Wanderers this season.
However, under coach Alen Stajcic, Mata has started in just seven matches and made another 13 appearances off the bench.
For the Wanderers’ past two matches – a 2-0 win over Western United and a 2-2 draw with Melbourne City – Mata has been an unused substitute.
Despite the veteran’s inactivity, the Wanderers want him to stay for another season.
However, it’s understood Mata has also attracted interest from other A-League clubs, as well as from overseas teams.
The uncertainty over where Mata will play next season comes as his in-form teammate Nicolas Milanovic is preparing for a move to the United Kingdom at the completion of Western Sydney’s 2024-25 campaign.
Attacking weapon Milanovic – who has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Western Sydney this season in form that has him in Socceroos selection contention for June’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia – is poised to be sold by the Wanderers for a lucrative transfer fee.
Until then, Milanovic is set to play a key role in Western Sydney’s push for the A-League title.
Unbeaten in their past 10 games, the Wanderers can cement a top-six berth with a win over the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
Originally published as Juan Mata’s A-League future uncertain despite Western Sydney wanting to retain the Spanish star
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