- Crystal Palace set to sell Mateta
- Frenchman failed a medical with AC Milan
- Premier League club interested
Jean-Philippe Mateta looks to be playing his final months as a Crystal Palace player despite failing to secure a move to AC Milan in January. The French striker pushed for a switch to the San Siro, but problems during his medical saw the Italians pull the plug.
Oliver Glasner has since reinstated the Frenchman in the first team, and he returned from a lengthy knee injury on March 12th. He came on in the second half of a 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca, and it’s fair to say he didn’t receive the warmest of welcomes.
Despite Mateta’s return to action for the Eagles, he is still expected to be sold in the summer. He has been playing backup to club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen since returning to fitness.
Palace Preparing Mateta Sale
A report from The Athletic claims that Palace will “look to secure a buyer for Mateta.” They point out that the 28-year-old is entering the final year of his contract.
The club will try to offset some of the £43m initial fee paid to Wolverhampton Wanderers for Strand Larsen. The Norweigan frontman arrived as Mateta’s replacement and wouldn’t have expected to be in competition with him when the January transfer window closed.
Mateta has been at Selhurst Park since January 2022, when he arrived from Mainz for an initial fee of around £9m. He’s since made 189 appearances, posting 56 goals and 13 assists.
Could Mateta Stay in the Premier League?
After missing out on a move to Milan, it’s anyone’s guess where Mateta lands this summer. The Italians’ rivals, Juventus, were also thought to be keen on signing him before the Rossoneri agreed on a £30m fee.
The latest rumour about the French striker’s future is that he will remain in the Premier League. Reports suggest Newcastle United are showing interest amid Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa’s struggles at St James’ Park.
Mateta’s desire to leave Palace was driven mostly by the intention of playing for a Champions League club. The Magpies will almost certainly not be able to offer him that, given they are 12th in the table and enduring a difficult campaign.
The Eagles will still want the Frenchman to contribute for the remainder of the season and lift his second major trophy with the club. Glasner’s men are in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League and face Fiorentina.
