Juan Mata Joins Australian Club, Western Sydney Wanderers

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder, Juan Mata has signed a one-year contract with Australian club, Western Sydney Wanderers.

Juan Mata who is currently 36-year-old, had been a free agent since departing Japanese team, Vissel Kobe in January 2024. Before that, Mata had a successful stint with Galatasaray in Turkey, where he won the league in 2022.

Expressing his excitement about joining the Western Sydney Wanderers, Mata mentioned that he is looking forward to training with the team and preparing for the upcoming season.

“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,” the former Spain international said.

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

Juan Mata, who earned 40 caps for Spain, joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 for a fee of £23.5 million.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he became a fan favorite, winning the club’s player of the year award in consecutive seasons and securing titles such as the Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League.

Moving to Manchester United in 2014 for a then-club record fee of £37.1 million, Mata contributed to significant victories in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Europa League.

After eight successful years at Old Trafford, he left the club in 2022 to join Galatasaray. Throughout his career, Mata has demonstrated his talent and claimed numerous accolades, including being part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.