According to the Sun, Rafa Benitez is keen to bring Juan Mata to Newcastle United.
The Spaniard’s contract at Manchester United is set to expire this summer, meaning he could be picked up for absolutely nothing. He’s been linked with a move to Barcelona, but apparently Newcastle could also be an option.
Even at 31-years-old, Mata is still a real talent and would be a huge signing for the Magpies.
(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
He’s been a Premier League regular since he moved to Chelsea in 2011, where he won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League.
Mata hasn’t been as influential at Old Trafford, but has still managed to win another FA Cup and Europa League, as well as the League Cup.
What a signing he would be for Newcastle. He’d be the biggest name to sign for the club in a long time. But any move for him seems unlikely. Firstly, Benitez might not even be at the club next season.
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Then there’s the issue of wages. He’s played for two of the biggest clubs in the country and is probably earning a pretty penny. Newcastle would need to change their wage structure to make a marquee signing like Mata.
For that reason, most fans aren’t getting too giddy about this ‘rumour’. While it’s great to dream about a World Cup winner donning the black and white stripes, we have to have realistic expectations.
And if you’re Mata, the lure of Barcelona is probably a bit greater then the chance to spend your weekends in the Bigg Market.
(Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle fans react to Mata rumour
Juan Mata is a top drawer footballer as well as top drawer individual. He would grace any top club with his ability and experience. Unfortunately this kind of player comes in a certain wage bracket that #nufc would never reach. Article is coming from the sun 😳 won’t happen; next
— Kevin Nichol (@Kevin_Nichol) May 22, 2019
Seems like a long shot. As thrilling as it must be for a player to battle for relegation survival each year, why would Mata want to play for a team with no ambition? #NUFC
— James DeMarco (@jazadal) May 22, 2019
JUAN MATA!!? 😂😂😂 I’m sure he’d love to drop his wage to 45k a week with a sports direct paddling pool as a signing on bonus #NUFC
— Jordan Thomas (@Judz1991) May 22, 2019
Anyone who thinks Juan Mata may have the slightest even minutest chance of signing for @NUFC this season are banging their head against brick walls. Sorry, but a dose of Ashley shaped reality needs attaching to any SUN report. @NUFC #SignRafaNow #ASHLEYOUT
— Chris Armin (@chris_armin) May 22, 2019
Mata would be a sick signing #nufc won’t happen like, but I’d be buzzing man
— Ross (@Rossterfer) May 22, 2019
Mata this year….. Iniesta last year !!!! Wud love us to get Mata, but very doubtful….. we need Rafa sorted first #nufc asap
— John Dixon (@DickoNortheast) May 22, 2019
Newcastle United are tonight linked with Juan Mata. Mike Ashley has obviously misunderstood his “1% wages” campaign.
— NUFCThreatLevel (@NUFCThreatLevel) May 21, 2019
Juan Mata? One the premiership players I’ve most wanted to to see in an #nufc shirt. Sadly, can’t see it happening due to our bell-end of an owner.
— Kev Hall (@DeKuip02) May 22, 2019
Imagine Benitez signing, paying the fee for rondon, and somehow convincing Mata to take a 60 grand pay cut and sign for us. Be a good start to the weekend wouldn’t it. Wouldn’t it? 😏#nufc
— 👉Luke👈 (@lukemcdon) May 21, 2019