Liverpool are reportedly keen on Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of future windows, as his cruel palace future remains in doubt.
According to Fichajes, Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a striker target for Liverpool ahead of next year. The Merseyside could potentially look at replacing Darwin Nunez if they chase the 27-year-old Olympics 2024 silver medalist, although these links could only be rumours at this stage.
Arne Slot showed in his early days what sort of striker he preferred to have in his ranks, having chosen Diogo Jota to lead the line instead of Darwin Nunez. There were some rumours about the Uruguayan’s future during the summer, but lately, Fabrizio Romano has quashed reports of an exit.
Either way, Nunez has not been the automatic starter he was under Jurgen Klopp, and things could change with the Uruguayan in the future. Liverpool could potentially target a prolific goalscorer in his place, as the report links them to Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The 27-year-old Olympics 2024 silver medalist has had a poor start to the season, especially after the way he finished the previous one. Mateta scored 16 times in the Premier League last season, 13 of which came after Oliver Glansner took over as Palace manager.
He has had a modest start to the new campaign, although, on Sunday, he scored the winner against Spurs to help Palace register their first win of the season. Could this be a turning point in the player and club’s season remains to be seen, but should he re-discover his goalscoring form, there could be clubs like Liverpool waiting in the wings.
Could Liverpool sign Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Mateta’s current deal expires in 2026, and there’s a chance he could leave Palace next year. The January window might be the best chance for the club to sell him for the best price, as his rate could drop next summer. Moreover, the idea of playing for a club like Liverpool, where they lack a player with a physical profile, would be an appealing prospect for the 27-year-old Olympic 2024 silver medalist.
Liverpool could see the idea of signing Mateta as a low-cost acquisition in such a challenging market. Some might also view the Frenchman as a late bloomer of sorts, and for Liverpool, he could be a solid, if not spectacular, signing.
