Leeds United: Juan Mata talks ‘right on track’ with Orta in ‘direct contact’
Juan Mata’s move to Leeds United is on the “right on track” with Victor Orta in “direct contact” with the 34-year-old according to 90min.
According to AS (13 July) the Whites are interested in the former Manchester United attacker who is now a free agent after departing Old Trafford at the end of his contract.
It has since been suggested by 90min on Wednesday 13 July that Orta is in talks with the attacker with a potential deal progressing well.
It has also been suggested the Mata would be happy to move to Elland Road this summer.
Six years late
Mata at Chelsea was one of the best-attacking midfielders the Premier League has ever seen and the Spaniard somewhat carried that form on in his early days at Manchester United.
If Leeds were signing the midfielder earlier in his career then it would be a huge statement.
The problem for the Whites is that Mata is a big name in the Premier League and he will likely command a substantial wage package.
Jesse Marsch does need to add some Premier League experience to his lineup but targeting a 34-year-old attacking midfielder who was a substitute for most of the 2021/22 season is probably not the best option.
The Leeds boss would be better off looking for an experienced defensive addition for his Leeds squad.
Mata would give the Whites the odd piece of quality but whether he would be able to complete another season and give the Whites a return on their investment remains to be seen.
Furthermore, the former Manchester United man doesn’t suit Marsch’s energetic and high-pressing style of football.
At 34, his legs will not be up to the intensity of the American’s demands of his attacking midfielders.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims that a midfielder who was admired by Marcelo Bielsa is set to leave this summer.