Galatasaray confirm signing of ex-Man Utd star Mata as busy transfer windows draws to a close

• Mata signs for Galatasaray
• Icardi also joins club
• Gala previously added Mertens, Seferovic and Torreira this summer

WHAT HAPPENED? The club is have signed the Spanish midfielder, who left Old Trafford earlier this summer after the expiration of his contract.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mata is one of a host of signings that Galatasaray confirmed on Thursday's transfer deadline in Turkey. Mathias Ross Jensen, Milot Rashica, Mauro Icardi and Yusuf Demir also arrived at the eleventh hour.

AND WHAT'S MORE: The club had previously signed the likes of Lucas Torreira, Dries Mertens and Haris Seferovic this summer as they look to regain the Turkish Super Lig title this season.

WHAT THEY SAID: "Professional football player Juan Manuel Mata Garcia has signed an agreement for 2 seasons, with the second year being optional. Accordingly, a net fee of 1.900.000 EUR will be paid to our football player for the 2022-2023 season," a club statement read.

STORY IN THREE PHOTOS:

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DID YOU KNOW? Mata has played just 30 games over the last two seasons, having made at least 30 appearances in every season of his professional career, which has included stops at Valencia, Chelsea and, most recently, Man Utd.

THE VERDICT: The move sees Galatasaray continue a massive summer that has seen plenty of starpower arrive in Turkey.

Last season was a catastrophic one for the club, with Galatasaray finishing 13th in the league, having not won the title since going back to back in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

WHAT NEXT FOR GALATASARAY? Having won 2-1 over Gaziantep on Monday, the club will now face Kasimpasa on Sunday in their next match.