Mata to Barcelona

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The One and Only
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Barcelona Sign Valencia Winger Juan Mata - Report - Goal.com

Barcelona have completed the signing of Valencia winger Juan Mata, according to radio station Onda Cero.

Mata, 22, has reportedly penned a five-year contract with Barca after the two clubs concurred on a €20 million fee for his services.

He has long been linked with a move to Camp Nou as Barcelona look to strengthen the left side of their attack, with Thierry Henry's future at the club still in doubt.

Valencia rejected Barcelona's approaches for Mata last summer, but with their financial problems meeting no improvement, they have been forced to part with another of their stars following the €40m sale of David Villa in May.

Mata, who had a contract with Valencia until 2012, will now become Barcelona's ninth player to wear Spain's shirt at the World Cup.

He also had the chance to move to Manchester City, but rejected the Premier League side's big-money offer as he planned to stay in his homeland.

It is believed the arrival of Mata at Barcelona will pave the way for the exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who signed for the club last summer in a €69m move.
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It may be all bollocks, but my Barca-based mate just confirmed it's all over the radio over there. Make of that what you will...
 
So if they get Torres as well.
Mata - Villa - Torres - Messi
 
This is a player where I have never quite understood the massive hype. He's good, at times very good, but I just don't think he's as special as people make him out to be.

I personally don't think there's that much difference in quality between him and Pedro. That being said, he'll find it difficult not to be a success there if he gets enough games.
 
15 goals from the left wing (all comps) for the past 2 seasons.

Only Henry was a more effective left winger than him in 08/09. As well as the 15 goals in all competitions that season he also created 13 more in the league (dont have the stats for assists in other comps) which was beaten only by Xavi and his 20 assists(!)

He was one of Valencia's best 2 players that season, behind David Villa.
 
Hang on, why? With a front 3 of Villa, Messi and Iniesta (if they get Fabregas), they will have Pedro to come on from the bench, and after such a great season it seems odd they'd get Mata too.
 
It will help Barcelona to have a more direct option on the flank - someone who is willing and capable of shooting from distance. It also provides some extraordinary depth across the front three - Villa, Messi, Ibrahimovic, Pedro, Mata, Bojan, Jeffren with Iniesta and Alves capable of filling in on the wings.
 
GK: Valdes

RB: Alves
CB: Pique
CB: Puyol
LB: Maxwell

CM: Fabregas
CM: Xavi
CM: Iniesta

RW: Messi
CF: Villa
LW: Mata

Bench: Pinto, Milito, Abidal, Busquets, Keita, Pedro & Ibrahimovic

That's just stupid!
 
mufcwarm92 said:
Hang on, why? With a front 3 of Villa, Messi and Iniesta (if they get Fabregas), they will have Pedro to come on from the bench, and after such a great season it seems odd they'd get Mata too.
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It wouldn't be odd. Last season they suffered without the pace and dribbling of Henry down the left of their attack when it mattered most. This fella will give them that option back. Without blocking Pedro's development.
 
I seem to recall reading that Valencia wanted to keep Mata and build around him when Silva and Villa were both sold. What happened to that plan, or have I just imagined it?
 
charlenefan said:
GK: Valdes

RB: Alves
CB: Pique
CB: Puyol
LB: Maxwell

CM: Fabregas
CM: Xavi
CM: Iniesta

RW: Messi
CF: Villa
LW: Mata

Bench: Pinto, Milito, Abidal, Busquets, Keita, Pedro & Ibrahimovic

That's just stupid!
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That's even better than my FIFA squad.
 
valencia are apparently denying it
Valencia confirmed Roberto Mancini's side have been allowed to meet with Silva, but stated no agreement has been reached regarding a price.

"As has been said, there is interest from Manchester City and we have permitted them to talk to the player, but we have reached no agreement and we have not talked about a fee," said Valencia's deputy chairman Javier Gomez.

Juan Manuel Mata has also been linked with a move away from the Mestalla, with reports claiming he would join Villa at Barcelona.

Gomez, though, has rejected that piece of speculation and has told reporters that no negotiations are taking place regarding a deal for Mata.
 
Boss said:
I don't think he's anything special
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Does a great team need a special player in each position? He does a great job as a left winger and he's still young. Is he special? No. But is there a young left winger out there more proven than he is? Thats a no too.

Mata was promised a new contract at the end of the season to reward him but Valencia found themselves unable to deliver some of the promises about it. Most likely that had a bearing on whether he'd like to stay this summer and how much money Valencia will get for him if he goes. It could be that Barcelona were keeping a keen eye on him and the situation has presented itself where he's available at a certain price, so they've acted.
 
This player is really starting to come good in the hole. He was already one of the best left wingers out there, but since Silva was sold last summer he's been mainly used in the hole behind a striker and he's been more effective in the final third than Silva ever was.

His general play can still improve a little bit, but in recent months he's been better in that respect. And he has 9 assists and 5 goals from 25 matches including a double in the derby with Villarreal.

Takes good corners and freekicks, one of the best left wingers, and is now becoming one of the best in the hole due to his speed, ball control, finishing, passing and crossing which are all very good.
 
Ekeke said:
This player is really starting to come good in the hole. He was already one of the best left wingers out there, but since Silva was sold last summer he's been mainly used in the hole behind a striker and he's been more effective in the final third than Silva ever was.

His general play can still improve a little bit, but in recent months he's been better in that respect. And he has 9 assists and 5 goals from 25 matches including a double in the derby with Villarreal.

Takes good corners and freekicks, one of the best left wingers, and is now becoming one of the best in the hole due to his speed, ball control, finishing, passing and crossing which are all very good.
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sorry but :lol::lol:
 
RedThaiDevils#7 said:
I heard news about Afellay wanting a move ( The lad was just a bench warmer as suspected ),

If so, I wouldn't be surprised if Barca went for a proven La Liga Player who is the same age as Pedro and has done really well... Still, what do Barca want ?
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Probably not to pay as much money as it would take to sign a player who signed a new contract till Jan 2014.

I think Mata would cost a lot these days. So although I think Barcelona would love to have him, I cant see it. The last time I saw Mata linked with a new club was on Feb 20th:

Manchester City are lining up a summer bid for Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, as they seek to partner Spain team-mate David Silva with a similar talent – according to a report in The People.

City took advantage of Valencia’s financial situation last summer by capturing Silva, and are said to be ready to relieve Los Che of another young star in the next transfer window.

However, the Eastlands club will have to pay a substantial fee for the Spain international, whose release clause is set at upwards of €50 million. Sources close to the club claim that Valencia will only begin listening to offers from €35m plus.

Tottenham and Chelsea have also been linked with 22-year-old Mata, following impressive feedback from the clubs’ foreign scouts.
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Seems strange to say it but I think he'd be a great buy for Chelsea if they want to part with the money for him. He could serve 2 functions, Malouda hasnt been at his best on the left this season. Mata could be a young replacement. And secondly he's been playing in the hole this season behind a striker and its this kind of player Chelsea need, in order for Ancelotti's diamond to work. Plus you know, it might be nice to have a good Spanish player playing for them
 
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