1

Manchester United fan favourite Juan Mata has found a new club following his adventure in Japan.

The Spaniard spent the summer as a free agent, having left Vissel Kobe earlier this year after his contract expired.

He joined the J1 League club in September 2023 after a successful 2022–23 season with Galatasaray, which saw the Turkish giants claim their 23rd league title.

He made 18 appearances for the Istanbul club in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

The World Cup-winning midfielder didn’t get many minutes on the pitch in Japan, making just one appearance. Despite that, he picked up a league winner’s medal as Vissel Kobe secured victory in the J1 League. He will now aim to win the trophy in another country.

Mata has officially joined Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the 2024-25 A-League Men season.

The 36-year-old has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Australian club.

“I am really excited to be joining Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to ever win the AFC Champions League. I am looking forward to coming and training with the team to prepare for the upcoming season,” said the midfielder.

“I am grateful and excited about this new adventure, I can’t wait to try to win another championship in a different league.”

There is no doubt that many United fans will be closely following Mata’s adventures in Australia.

After swapping Chelsea for the Red Devils in 2014, the Spanish magician delivered countless memorable moments in the red shirt. Mata made 285 appearances for the Mancunian giants, winning four trophies, before leaving in 2022.

Meanwhile, another much-loved Old Trafford star could soon find himself in a non-European league, with The Peoples Person recently reporting that Brazilian club Flamengo have approached Anthony Martial, who is available on a free transfer.

Play for free and win a new United kit! We’re giving away a new prize every week of PL play, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, simply (1) Join the brand new PL Challenge league this week here using our league code puu1tk and sign up your team. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie break question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit the Goat Kits store at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 for 30% off your first purchase!