Melbourne Victory gives Juan Mata time to decide on new contract
New head coach Giovanni Savarese has confirmed that the club is giving Juan Mata space to decide his future after an award-winning season.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: LittleBlinky
New Melbourne Victory head coach Giovanni Savarese has addressed the future of Juan Mata at AAMI Park. The 38-year-old Spanish midfielder, whose one-year contract has expired, was a standout performer during the 2025/26 season, winning the Johnny Warren Medal for the league's best player.
Savarese emphasized that retaining the veteran is a top priority, but insisted the club will provide him with the necessary space to make his own decision.
I have had conversations with him. Of course, the club wants his return. It is the desire of not only the management but also mine and the entire coaching staff. We want to ensure that he makes the decision himself. We are giving him time because he deserves it. Giovanni Savarese
The situation is different from last year, as Mata has since become a minority owner of the club, removing the need for further acclimatization. While Savarese and director of football John Didulica are exploring potential alternatives, the focus remains on Mata's potential return.
In the meantime, Melbourne Victory has been active in the transfer market, signing Harry Sawyer, Philippe Zirey, and Tom Lockyer, while extending the contracts of key players Charles Nduka and Franco Lino. Savarese remains confident in his current squad ahead of the new season, which kicks off on October 18.