Leeds United table offer to sign Juan Mata as Victor Orta holds talks with family member
Leeds United have tabled an offer to sign free agent Juan Mata but face competition from Real Betis, according to Marca.
The Spanish newspaper reported on their website on 13 July that the Whites are considering a move for the former Manchester United attacker, 34, with Raphinha on his way to Barcelona.
It is understood that Mata is torn over whether to continue in the Premier League with Leeds or return to his native Spain, where he also has an offer from Betis, who will need to shift players out before they’re able to sign the attacking midfielder.
Victor Orta is reportedly negotiating with Mata’s father with the ex-Spain international willing to take a pay cut on the contract he had at Man United, which expired last month.
The Metro reported on 10 May that Mata earned almost £200,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
No chance
Regardless of whether there’s any truth in these reports, we really don’t want to see Leeds signing Mata.
Why on earth would we do that?
Many of us had forgotten he was even a Manchester United player before he randomly made a number of Premier League appearances towards the end of last season.
He played just 12 times in all competitions for Man United last season and will turn 35 years old before the end of the upcoming 22/23 campaign.
What will Leeds really gain from signing him?
Of course, Mata is an experienced player who has won the World Cup, European Championships and Champions League and made 277 appearances in the Premier League with both Manchester United and Chelsea.
But the attacking midfielder has been past his best for years and Leeds really shouldn’t even entertain the idea of signing players of his age unless it’s a new back-up goalkeeper.
If Orta is in talks with Mata’s father, he’s wasting his time.
In other Leeds United news, a “ridiculous” offer could lead to this Englishman being sold by the Whites.