Juan Mata has offered himself to Real Sociedad on a free transfer. Mata is seen as a ‘more than attractive’ option for Sociedad. [Sport Witness]

According to Spanish publication AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Juan Mata might be willing to join Real Sociedad, as has he offered himself to the Spanish side on a free transfer when his Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season.

Mata could call time on his career in the Premier League next year, as a move back to his native Spain could be on the cards. The playmaker’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the current campaign, post which a move to Real Sociedad could certainly become a possibility.

Mata holds vast amounts of experience playing at the top level and La Real are eyeing a move for him similar to what they did a year ago while signing David Silva from Manchester City. Their primary concern with the squad is to replace wantaway star Adnan Januzaj, who is reportedly linked with Barcelona.

Similar to Mata, Januzaj’s contract with Sociedad expires at the end of the season, meaning he could leave on a free transfer to Barcelona or any other interested parties around that time. The Belgian has been impressive from a wide playmaking role for the Spanish side this term, helping them to the sixth spot in La Liga.

Real Sociedad’s interest in Mata is pretty much directly linked with the future of Januzaj. Furthermore, the Spaniard is also a financially viable option as he will be available on a Bosman deal. While Sociedad will sign him on a free transfer, they also expect the playmaker to lower his wage demands significantly. As the report points out, the Spanish attacker will nowhere get the same salary he currently earns at Manchester United.

A move will certainly make sense for both club and player in the short term future, as Mata will get a chance to sign off on his career back in his homeland while Sociedad will get a proven playmaker with loads of experience for no transfer fee. There is a slight chance a move could be accelerated in January itself, as Manchester United could be more than happy to take his wages off their books. ‘

As for Mata, he will look back fondly at an illustrious career in England, having played nearly 450 games across all competition during his spells at Chelsea and Manchester United. He won the Champions League, Europa League, and two FA Cups during this period.

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