Friday, 30th April 2010


Barcelona are being heavily linked with a summer move for Valencia’s Juan Mata according to several reports in the Spanish press. The 21-year-old winger has continued to improve this season and Camp Nou coach Josep Guardiola has apparently been very impressed with Mata’s progress.

The La Liga giants see the left flank as one they must strengthen in the summer if they are to withstand a renewed assault from Real Madrid next season and also seek to once again win the Champions League. Mata, young, talented and Spanish, fits the bill. A problem however could be Valencia’s reluctance to sell.

Los Che know that they must make some player sales this summer, with David Villa being the most likely to bring in big money and ease club debts, but Mata is not a favoured option. Indeed, Valencia president Manuel Llorente blocked Mata’s sale last summer and will seek to do so again. However, with money tight in Valencia, Barcelona feel a bid of €20M might just get the young talent.

 

  Latest Features: