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Galatasaray Sign Former Manchester United Midfielder on Initial One-Year Contract

Former Manchester United Midfielder

Galatasaray have signed former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata on an initial one-year deal.

There is also an option for a further year.

Former Manchester United Midfielder Juan Mata Signs for Turkish Giants Galatasaray

Juan Mata Finds New Club

Galatasaray confirmed the signing of Mata on Thursday night (September 8).

In signing Mata, The Turkish side add the much-needed creative flair of the Spaniard to their redundant midfield. The move for the free agent comes after the completion of the transfer of Mauro Icardi from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine striker was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Christophe Galtier after taking over the reins at PSG and now Icardi is set to link up with Juan Mata in Istanbul after his loan move to the club.

Read More: No One Is Safe: Erik Ten Hag Lays Down New Law at Manchester United This Season

Free Agent

The 34-year-old midfielder became a free agent this summer after his contract at Manchester United expired, following an eight-year spell at Old Trafford.

The Spanish midfielder joined the Red Devils from Chelsea in a surprise switch in 2013. He had failed to secure game time under then-new Chelsea manager José Mourinho, the Portuguese preferred Oscar in the playmaking role and Mata was subsequently demoted to the bench. During his spell with the Red Devils, the 2010 World Cup winner won an FA Cup, Europa League and the League Cup.

The maestro was one of the best playmakers from Spain in recent years. In addition to his favoured playmaking role through the centre of the pitch behind the forwards, Mata is also comfortable playing on either wing; he has also been used as a second striker on occasion. He makes up for a lack of pace with his control, technique, passing, creativity, and vision, which allows him to link up with teammates and register many assists, in addition to scoring goals.

With 52 goals and 54 assists in 278 appearances, Juan Mata definitely lit up the Premier League during his time in London and Manchester.

Move to Galatasaray

Mata is ready to try life in Turkey and experience a different culture with Galatasaray.

Galatasaray finished 13th last season, marking the club’s lowest league finish since the introduction of the Turkish Super Lig in 1959.

In a bid to return to the top echelon of football, the Turkish giants have completed moves for several high-profile players – including Belgium star Dries Mertens, Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira and Lyon right-back Leo Dubois, amongst other top-flight talents across Europe.

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