Everton struggled much of last season to find any sort of consistency in results. Everton’s home record was hugely disappointing given the calibre of player in the squad, and although they have been tough to beat on the road they still have not won enough. The wheels finally came off in the final weeks of the season. The realistic ambition at the start of campaign was to finish in the top four and end their trophy drought. They managed to reach the semi-finals of both the cup competitions, however they were unlucky to be defeated by both Manchester clubs.
Roberto Martinez was sacked recently and in his place former Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was brought in. The Dutchman has already had a wide-ranging managerial career which covers the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and England. He will be looking to get Everton back on track as soon as possible. Rumours have grown in the past 24-hours or so that Juan Mata will head out of Old Trafford imminently after the arrival of Jose Mourinho. The Spanish international wasn’t a part of Mourinho’s plans when he began his second run as manager of Chelsea, and there is growing belief he will move on from the midfielder for a second time.
Everton are currently the front runners to sign the midfielder and it will be a great piece of business for the Merseyside club, if they can manage to get such a quality players on their books. Ronald Koeman is looking to bolster the squad after a disappointing campaign, and Mata is rumoured to be one of his main targets this summer.
Mata has always been consistent with his performances, even though he found it tough surviving under Jose Mourinho. He played in all 38 of United’s Premier League games last season, scoring six goals with five assists. He scored three goals in four FA Cup appearances, including a late equalizer in the final against Crystal Palace. United went onto win 2-1. Having worked with Ronald Koeman during his time in Valencia, Mata has since gone on to become one of the best playmakers in the world.
The former Chelsea midfielder is flexible, composed on the ball and can play almost anywhere from the midfield forward. He is a perfect utility player that Mangers love to have in their team. He still could have his best seasons ahead of him and Everton would look to him to restore their ability to challenge for the top four once again.
If the deal does go through between United and Everton, he could become one of the signings of the summer, and the most influential name to join the Toffees in the modern era. With players like Barkley, Lukaku, Stones and Deulofeu already in the squad, Mata could be the final piece of Everton’s jigsaw puzzle.