Jean-Philippe Mateta’s representatives are working overtime to engineer an exit from Selhurst Park before the September 1 transfer deadline, offering the striker to a host of elite clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
TEAMtalk reveals that representatives have directly approached both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential move, while Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid have also been alerted to his availability.
The 29-year-old forward has harboured ambitions of leaving South London for over a year. A January departure to Italy collapsed at the final hour when proposed moves to AC Milan and Juventus broke down over concerns regarding his knee.
Undeterred by that setback, Mateta took drastic action earlier this year by challenging the validity of the final 10 months of his contract. The French forward argued that Palace should not have activated the one-year extension option embedded in the original deal he signed following his initial 2021 switch from Mainz.
Mateta dragged the dispute to a Premier League tribunal and subsequently escalated the matter to FIFA. Both governing bodies dismissed the challenge. His contract remains fully valid, binding him to the club for the remainder of the campaign.
Palace Hold Firm Despite Free Transfer Risk
Despite failing to legally sever ties, Mateta remains adamant about leaving South London this month.
Palace executives, however, are adopting a completely uncompromising stance. Club officials insist they have no intention of caving to the player’s demands or sanctioning a cut-price sale before the deadline, even though Mateta can walk away on a free transfer next summer.
The hierarchy views the current standoff similarly to last summer’s Marc Guéhi saga. Palace repeatedly rejected late approaches for their former captain, standing firm until the winter window before dictating terms on their own timeline. Board members fully intend to repeat that playbook with Mateta if no suitor meets their internal valuation in the coming days.
Mateta started the Eagles’ 2-0 opening-day defeat against Everton at Hill Dickinson, missing two high-profile chances to open his account for the season.
While Palace stand firm, Mateta’s camp continues to canvas the market for a willing buyer:
- Manchester United: United are evaluating their forward options following contact from Mateta’s team. A formal bid hinges on internal departures, with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both linked with late exits from Old Trafford.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs maintain a long-standing admiration for the 135-goal striker. Despite closing in on deals for Manchester City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush, Spurs officials want another frontline striker before the window shuts.
- Aston Villa: Villa are actively searching for center-forward reinforcements as Ollie Watkins edges closer to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
- Atletico Madrid & Saudi Arabia: Atletico Madrid have entered initial discussions, while multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are monitoring developments. Mateta has signaled a willingness to consider a move to the Middle East.
Wharton Locked Down at Selhurst
While Mateta’s future hangs in the balance, Palace fans can take comfort in the club’s resolute stance on Adam Wharton. The Eagles have slammed the door shut on any potential late move for the England international, rebuffing interest from both Manchester City and Liverpool to ensure the midfielder anchors the squad for the season ahead.
