---
title: "Leeds: Victor Orta set to win Juan Mata race"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-victor-orta-set-to-win-juan-mata-race/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2022-07-16T06:17:54Z"
modified: "2022-07-16T06:17:54Z"
---

# Leeds: Victor Orta set to win Juan Mata race

**[Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) and Victor Orta look set to win the race for free agent Juan Mata.**

### The Lowdown: Mata and a new forward

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Spaniard, who Gary Lineker called an [‘intelligent’ player](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1311407468367564805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1311407468367564805%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-104913624973843861.ampproject.net%2F2206221455000%2Fframe.html), in recent days, with Orta thought to be in [conversation](https://sportwitness.co.uk/leeds-united-director-victor-orta-contacted-agent-free-signing-parties-want-close-transfer/) with the player’s father.

[Reports](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-juan-mata-pay-cut-transfer-gossip-elland-road/) have even suggested that the 34-year-old is willing to lower his previous Manchester United salary in order to move to Yorkshire.

A new forward is also on the agenda at Elland Road, with a deal for [Arnaud Kalimuendo](https://www.90min.com/posts/leeds-united-in-talks-to-sign-psg-arnaud-kalimuendo) seemingly getting closer, and it looks as if Mata will also be heading to work under Jesse Marsch.

### The Latest: Transfer update

[MOT Leeds News](https://motleedsnews.com/transfers/leeds-united-to-win-race-for-juan-mata-as-victor-orta-transfer-talks-prove-successful/) relayed an update from Friday’s edition of Spanish newspaper [La Nueva Espana](https://www.pressreader.com/spain/la-nueva-espana-occidente-be/20220715/page/46) regarding Leeds and Mata.

They claim that the Whites are set to pip Real Betis and Real Oviedo to Mata’s services, saying he “would arrive for free and with a significant salary reduction”.

[![Latest Leeds United news!](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/)

### The Verdict: Smart move?

Mata, who has a [100%](https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/juan-mata/bilanzdetails/spieler/44068/gegner/6195/page/5) win record against Leeds with a goal and assist against the Whites, will provide plenty of [experience](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/juan-mata/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/44068) to what is a fairly [young first-team squad](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/kader/verein/399) at Thorp Arch, with just one attacking midfielder or forward over the age of 30.

\[freshpress-poll id=”402884″\]

It looks as if a move to Yorkshire is well and truly on the cards, where Mata will be able to provide Marsch with an option in [attacking midfield or out wide](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/juan-mata/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/44068).

Marsch may decide to use Mata from the bench in a similar way to how Marcelo Bielsa used Pablo Hernandez in the Championship title-winning run-in, and with sides able to use [five substitutions](https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4684734/why-premier-leagues-shift-to-five-subs-per-gamelike-other-major-leaguesis-a-bad-idea#:~:text=Initially%20recommended%20by%20FIFA%20and,stood%20apart%2C%20voting%20against%20the) next season, it could prove to be a wise move if he can stay fit.