Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has turned down the chance to join a club in the MLS, according to reports.
The 34-year-old is on the hunt for a new club after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of last season.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Mata has rejected offers from the MLS and in “some other exotic country” because he wishes to continue competing at a high level in Europe.
In July, it was suggested that Mata could join Leeds United, a club we would rather he stayed away from.
AS suggested Leeds sporting director Victor Orta spoke to Mata’s father about a potential transfer, although discussions were being carried out at a slow pace at the time.
Mata has also been linked with moves to Galatasaray and Besiktas.
The former Spain international spent half of his career in the Premier League – at Chelsea and United – but he could also return to Spain.
SN’s verdict
It was time to move on from Juan Mata and I think we got the perfect replacement in Christian Eriksen, who is younger and can play in a number of different midfield roles.
The Dane even played as a false nine on Sunday as Erik ten Hag lacked options in attack following Anthony Martial’s injury.
Meanwhile, Mata can still offer something at a high level — in a Europa League side at the very least.
