There still remains uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future after the Crystal Palace striker failed to complete a January move to AC Milan. The Frenchman was headed to the San Siro after the two clubs agreed on a £30m fee.
Mateta travelled to Paris on deadline day to undergo a medical, but complications arose over his fitness. Milan pulled the plug due to concerns over a knee issue.
The 28-year-old returned to Selhurst Park with the need to restore his bond with the club’s fans. Oliver Glasner has downplayed the player requiring surgery, although he isn’t sure when he’ll be fit to return to action.
Mateta has failed to replicate his stunning form from last season, which helped fire Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory. He’s appeared 34 times across competitions, posting 10 goals.
Magpies plot Mateta move
If the French frontman is still eyeing a departure this summer, he could remain in the Premier League. The club moved for Jorgen Strand Larsen despite his failure to secure a move to Milan.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are showing an interest in Mateta. It’s been noted that Eddie Howe prefers to sign players with English top-flight experience.
That said, the Magpies paid a club-record £69m for German striker Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart last summer. The towering centre-forward has failed to reach expectations at St James’ Park.
Mateta will have a year left on his contract at the end of the season. This puts Palace under pressure to cash in on the Frenchman, who has been with the club since early 2022.
Will Mateta play for Palace again?
While Mateta doesn’t require surgery, he is sitting on the sidelines due to his knee problem. His eagerness to leave for Milan didn’t go down too well with fans.
Glasner gave an update on Mateta’s situation on February 10th. He told reporters that “several specialists and doctors” played down the severity of the injury.
The Austrian, who is leaving in Jun,e said (via Sky Sports):
“I’m 100% convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again, and I think then he deserves the best support. I’m pretty sure our fans will support him in the best way, appreciating what he has done for Crystal Palace.”
Larsen has made a promising start since joining Palace from Wolves for a club-record £48m. It will be interesting to see how Glasner opts to line up once Mateta is fit.
The Eagles manager has no doubt that the Frenchman remains committed:
“As long as a player is here, as long as a manager is here, as long as a staff member is here, then everybody can expect being 100% committed to Crystal Palace, and that is what JP will show.”
Palace are next in action on Thursday (February 19th) when they face Bosnian outfit HSK Zrinjski Mostar. They travel to the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium for the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off.
