Reports say Juan Mata to MLS: which club will he play for?

The legendary midfielder is reportedly set to leave Japan and is close to a move to MLS.

Joe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: May 8th, 2024 06:04 EDT0

Manchester UnitedManchester United via Getty Imag

Reports suggest that the MLS will be Juan Mata’s next destination in his career in football. The legendary Spanish midfielder, who has played for teams such as Valencia and Chelsea, and most recently Vissel Kobe, could be on his way to the west coast.

Local media outlets in Asturias, the northern region in Spain where Mata grew up, say that the player will arrive stateside in 2025, after the current season ends. Right now Juan Mata is a free agent, having finished his time as a player with the J1 League side in Asia this past February.

THANK YOU very much to all my teammates and all the people who are part of @visselkobe for these unique months with you. It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club. I’m… pic.twitter.com/cyO4xiAZfn

— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) January 8, 2024

Which team will Juan Mata join in MLS?

RTPA in Asturias say that the ex-Manchester United midfielder will join San Diego FC for the 2025 season. That year, the league will expand from 29 teams to 30, with the newly founded outfit set to take the fresh spot in the Western Conference. The report also suggests that there is a possibility that Juan Mata becomes a shareholder in the club.

Bringing in Mata would be another huge coup for the new franchise after it was revealed that PSV are also reportedly close to agreeing a €12 million deal for winger Hirving Lozano, who returned to the Dutch side after a spell with Napoli in Italy.

Football. Community. pic.twitter.com/HSIjuBNGbn

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) May 7, 2024