In this article, we cover the latest developments on Juan Mata's Australia move, including when the Spaniard will be expected to make his A-League debut and how much he will earn at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Mata is a huge name to be moving to Australian football, given that he has won the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup among many other high-profile accolades. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see just how he performs at the grand age of 36.
He could make his debut for WSW as soon as 10.30 UK time on Thursday 12th September, as his new side gears up to face Adelaide United in the FFA Cup. However, it's in the A-League that he is expected to truly flaunt his class after settling in a new country…
Juan Mata Australia move: Key details
When will Mata make his A-League debut?
Mata will likely make his debut on Saturday 19th October at 09:35 UK time, as Western Sydney Wanderers host city rivals Sydney FC. He should get a great reception from the home support, but maybe not as much from the away fans!
Considering that Sydney FC boast the record number of A-League title wins with five, it may be a tough task for Mata and co to claim victory. Western Sydney Wanderers have also lost the previous two H2Hs by an aggregate scoreline of 6-3, but Mata could make a huge difference in potentially reversing their fortunes.
Where will Mata play for Western Sydney Wanderers?
Mata will likely play in a familiar central attacking midfield role for Western Sydney Wanderers. Head coach Alen Stajcic will likely operate a 4-2-3-1 system with his team.
How much will Mata earn in Australia?
It has been reported that Mata will earn $350,000 (£178,000) during his time in Australia, having signed a one-year contract with Western Sydney Wanderers. This does not put him among the top 10 highest-paid A-League players, although he will earn above the average salary.
Could Mata be an A-League star?
Even at his age, there is no doubt that Mata has the quality to star in the A-League. He has scored a total of 133 goals over the course of his senior club career so far, and also produced 150 assists from midfield.
For Spain, Mata also netted 11 times and produced nine assists in 41 senior caps. He has played at the highest level at the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League, as well as winning trophies in Spain, Turkey and Japan with Valencia, Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe respectively.
Other high-profile names like Brazilian Douglas Costa have also made the move to the A-League in recent times, and he could well line up against Mata for Sydney when the two clubs meet in October. Nonetheless, Mata will only raise the quality of his Western Sydney Wanderers teammates around him, and his ability on the ball should allow him to dictate play more often than not in the middle of the park.
