An old acquaintance in LaLiga Santander could return and join the Che team, thanks to its former player from Burgos, who would help manage the operation from Turkey.
Before his future was doomed at Manchester United, midfielder Juan Mata seriously considered a return to Valencia CF. However the player He ended up taking the option of Turkish Galatasaray, where he will surely end his story there, on June 30. It is not yet known if he will return to mestallabut what is certain is that he is helping a friend of his so that he does.
During his stay at the Teatro de los Sueños (Old Trafford) Juan Mata met and became friends with many great footballers. One of them is close to returning to Spain, since he went through teams like RCD Espanyol and Villarreal CF. We are talking about Eric Bailly from Ivory Coast, who is currently playing for Olympique de Marseille on loan from the Devils.
Everything is ready for Juan Mata’s friend to join Valencia CF
It has not been an easy season for the African defender, who had to leave the English team, due to a technical decision by Erik ten Hag. When he arrived at the French club, things did not improve, and he has barely added 829 minutes combining the three competitions (Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League). The most certain thing is that the 29-year-old defender will return to the Devil discipline, but he will once again be ruled out by the Dutch coach.
It is there where the operation with the Valencianista team becomes relevant, since Rubén Baraja has been asking for a central defender who can take the place of Cenk Ozkacar. Likewise, he wants to have a broad squad of defenders, since said field was one of the most vulnerable throughout the season. Bailly’s option is already on the table, and it was well received by the coach from Valladolid.
With Eric Bailly, would Juan Mata also arrive at Valencia CF?
Taking advantage of the fact that the midfielder from Burgos is interceding for his friend, and that his contract with the Turkish team will end without the option of renewal, the possibility arises that both end up in the black and white team, for this same summer market. It would be a rather interesting double operation, of which Baraja is already aware.
Economically it is a viable maneuver, since Juan Mata would arrive for free, and Eric Bailly would do so for a very minimal amount. And it is that the idea of Manchester United is to end all ties with the Ivorian defender as soon as possible. The player is valued at 8 million euros, and for less than 4 he could arrive at Mestalla for the 2023-24 season.
