Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata, a World Cup winner and seasoned playmaker, is set to join Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers for the next A-League season, the club announced on Thursday. Mata, known for his versatile playing style, brings a wealth of experience from top European clubs including Valencia, Chelsea, and Manchester United. His latest stint was with Vissel Kobe in Japan, from which he departed in January.
Expressing his excitement about the new chapter, Mata stated, “I’m really excited to join the Western Sydney Wanderers and I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead. I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another championship in a different league.”
The Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian club to have won the Asian Champions League, secured that title in 2014, just two years after their founding. Mata’s signing adds significant experience to their squad as they prepare for the new season, which kicks off in mid-October.
Meanwhile, cross-town rivals Sydney FC recently announced the signing of former Brazil winger Douglas Costa on a two-year deal, setting the stage for a competitive A-League season ahead.
