Melbourne Victory's head coach Giovanni Savarese has provided an update on the future of Juan Mata, indicating that discussions are ongoing regarding the former Manchester United and Chelsea star's potential return to the A-League. Mata, who is currently out of contract, had a successful season with Victory last term, showcasing his talent with five goals and 13 assists, marking his highest goal involvement since the 2015-16 season with Manchester United.

Ongoing Conversations

At 38 years old, Mata's experience and skill have made him a valuable asset for the club. Following a standout season, he was awarded the 2025-26 Johnny Warren Medallist. Additionally, Mata recently acquired an ownership stake in Melbourne Victory, further solidifying his connection to the club. Savarese, who has taken over the managerial role from Arthur Diles, emphasized the importance of Mata's decision-making process regarding his future. “I think the conversations are ongoing to try to make that happen,” Savarese stated during an interview with Network 10.

Future Considerations

When asked about a potential timeline for Mata's decision, Savarese remarked, “I think this is going to be important at some point.” He acknowledged the significance of knowing Mata's intentions, given the player's illustrious career and history. “Such a player that has so much history, has done so well in his career. Hopefully he is going to be with us as well,” he added. However, Savarese also noted that Mata needs the space to make his own choices, stating, “He has to make some decisions and we have to allow him to make those decisions.”

As the club awaits Mata's decision, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the talented midfielder will return for the 2026-27 season. Savarese concluded, “We will see. We are in the conversation,” leaving the door open for Mata's potential comeback.