Well it appears we have another transfer to knock on the head today, stories about Juan Mata moving on from Valencia have bounced around for a while, it seems that won’t be the case anymore however.
Spanish newspaper Superdeporte bring us quotes today that suggest the midfielder is happy in La Liga. Reports throughout the season had suggested that Chelsea and Manchester City were ready to move for the player this Summer, it now seems they might have their work cut out in persuading him to move.
Mata has been one of the young stars of Spanish football for a while now, and great things are expected of the 22 year old. He was originally a member of the Real Madrid youth academy and he ultimately became part of their ‘b’ squad. He eventually moved to Valencia at the beginning of the 07-08 campaign and has been an important player for them since then.
Playing predominantly from the left, although at times centrally, Mata has demonstrated great pace, and fantastic understanding of the game, and he has become a highly sought after player. It was widely believed that he would be on the move this Summer and it was thought that Manchester City would be favourites for his signature, as they hoped to use David Silva to convince the Valencia man to move.
It now appears however that any move for the player might have to be delayed, our friends at Inside Futbol bring us these quotes from newspaper Superdeporte:
“All I can say is that I have a contract with Valencia, where I am very happy….All I have to do now is concentrate on working and helping my team to take third place in La Liga.”.
Well I suppose there is still the possibility but it seems that Mata is genuinely happy at his club and he would like to remain. It is worth noting however that David Silva said very similar things when he was at Valencia and he was ultimately sold to help solve the financial difficulties that the club is suffering from. It is believed that the money received from that deal went a long way to help, but the side may have to sell more bodies this Summer to continue that process.
Mata is a quality player and should he need to be sold, I am certain that Chelsea and City would lead the way, they would be the only clubs capable of meeting the price that the club would want, and ultimately, the player may want to say, but it may not end up being entirely his decision.
If Mata does stay this Summer, I would suggest that next season could be his last with Valencia, they sold David Silva and David Villa last year to stay afloat and unless things improve, I think its just a Mata of time before the 22 year old moves on!
For more of my thoughts on the latest transfer rumours, follow me on twitter @soccercityjoe!
