Will we see Juan Mata play on next season in the Isuzu UTE A-League? Well, that was the hot topic on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download.
With Melbourne Victory’s season coming to a premature end on Saturday night following their Elimination Final defeat to Sydney FC, Juan Mata’s season is also now over.
The World Cup winning midfielder has been a revelation since joining Victory from the Wanderers at the start of the campaign and is the much-tipped favourite when it comes to taking out this year’s Johnny Warren Medal.
Check out the full chat on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download
However, having recently celebrated his 38th birthday and with his one-year contract soon coming to an end the Spanish magician’s future remains up in the air.
Host Jake Barker-Daish and guests Naum Sekulovski and Rashid Mahazi discussed what should happen next on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download.
VOTE NOW! Isuzu UTE A-League Dolan Warren Awards voting now open for 2025-26
“Look, after the body of work that we saw, particularly over the last season, not only is he an ambassador on the field, but off the field as well,” said former Perth Glory midfielder Sekulovski.
“So if I was at Victory, if I was part of the commercial team there, I’m doing everything in my power from a club perspective and potentially even leaning in on the league to say, you know, how do we keep him here and part of this football club?
“So hopefully for the benefit of Australian football and the fans and not just Melbourne Victory fans, I think all football fans that we have him stay in the A-league and at Melbourne Victory.
“Look, that would be awesome. I mean, he’s had a cracking year. He loves Melbourne. He’s obviously had a really, really strong year. Assists, goals, he’s done everything.”
BIG CALLS: SIX A-Leagues stars named in Socceroos pre-World Cup training camp
Ex-Victory midfielder Mahazi added: “I think Juan Mata has to stay. Just on this show, how many times did we have talking points from him this year?
“It’s really important. So whatever he wants in his life, like ‘Batka’ said, the club needs to try to make that work.
“And if not, can the league step in and help as well? Because it’s really important for not just
Melbourne Victory, but the whole league to keep players like him around.”
