Juan Mata increasingly keen on Man Utd exit to Barcelona as Spanish club eye transfer

Mata was on the radar for struggling Barcelona last summer and they are looking to land him yet again as he plays a minimal role in Man Utd's season

Posted Sunday, December 19, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Juan Mata is a target for Barcelona - once again.

The struggling Spanish club failed to land the Manchester United winger last summer after he opted to extend his stay at Old Trafford by another year.

But with Mata, 33, having very little input in United’s current campaign, it seems he would be keen to make the move to the Nou Camp.

He has made only three appearances this season - and none in the league. That situation is set to continue under new United boss Ralf Rangnick.

Barcelona are so strapped for cash amid La Liga financial fair play rules that they are unable to cough up any fee for the ex-Valencia and Chelsea star.

Mata's time at Manchester United appears like it could be coming to an end

Which makes a swoop in the January window out of the question unless United agree to cancel the remainder of Mata's £130,000-a-week deal so he is available for nothing.

More likely is that the Catalans will wait until June when the former Spanish international would be out of contract and a free transfer.

If successful it will be third time lucky for crisis-torn Barcelona, who also attempted to buy Mata back in January 2014 when he left Chelsea for United in a £37.1million switch.