- Crystal Palace transfer news and updates
- Jean-Philippe Mateta future in doubt
- Club plans for the Frenchman
Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing to accept new offers for Jean-Philippe Mateta and are keen to get a “decent fee” for the striker. The Frenchman is currently away at the World Cup representing his country.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Palace are still planning to move Mateta on despite his resurgence during the second half of the season. He nearly headed for the exit door in January but failed a medical ahead of a proposed £30m switch to AC Milan.
Mateta scored the winner in the Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final. There are many of the Selhurst Park faithful who would welcome a new deal for the frontman.
Palace plan Mateta sale
The issue is that Mateta has just one year left on his contract with Palace. He has been with the South London outfit since January 2022, arriving from Mainz.
The 28-year-old had been linked with Milan amid talk of Oliver Glasner becoming the Serie A giants’ new manager. But Ruben Amorim appears to have beaten Glasner to the San Siro job, which casts doubts over the France international heading to Italy.
O’Rourke suggests that Palace feel this summer is the last opportunity to get decent money for Mateta. It doesn’t look likely that he will sign a new contract, and the club doesn’t want to lose him on a free transfer next year.
Mateta appeared 50 times across competitions last season, posting 16 goals. He could be in high demand should the club indicate that he is available for the right price.
Making your mind up
If Mateta’s last hurrah was scoring the winner in the Conference League final, it’s a perfect send-off. The animosity with fans quickly subsided once he regained form, and a summer exit will now be on good terms.
The question is, where does he end up, given Milan looks less likely due to Glasner probably missing out to Amorim for the Rossoneri’s hot seat. Staying in the Premier League might be an option amid reported interest from Manchester United.
Pierre Sage is set to succeed Glasner, and he’ll of course play an important role in the striker’s future. He could be keen to keep him at Selhurst Park and convince him to extend his contract.
