Crystal Palace fear for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future following his contract demands, with his current deal expiring in 2026.
According to Give Me Sport, Jean-Philippe Mateta could look towards the future away from Selhurst Park, as there are chances for the French striker to leave Crystal Palace. There is a reported contract impasse between the two parties as the £50,000-a-week star wants to double his pay with a new agreement.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has not started the season as many expected, following a stunning end to the previous campaign. Before the start of last season, the Frenchman had eight goals in 58 Premier League appearances, but his numbers rapidly rose following the arrival of Oliver Glasner.
Under Glasner, he scored 13 goals in as many games as before the previous campaign came to a close. But he has yet to follow up on that form in the new season. Mateta has two goals from seven games this term, with both those strikes coming in one game against Leicester City. The Frenchman might need some rest following a busy summer representing his nation at the Paris Olympics.
However, he has come back fit, although his form needs to be better to help Crystal Palace climb out of the relegation zone, as they currently occupy the 18th spot in the standings after an underwhelming start to the season. Crystal Palace have been eager to extend his contract, which currently expires in the summer of 2026, as there might be some problems brewing in the background.
Mateta had interest from Aston Villa in the summer, and there are doubts whether that remains the case now. The striker was open to leaving Palace in the summer. But the club did not entertain offers in the hope of renewing his deal. They now fear the striker could look for a new club, as he has so far refused to sign a new contract.
Mateta wants to double his salary
Mateta’s current deal earns him £50,000-a-week in wages, and with the new contract, he wants to double it to £100,000 per week. The Eagles are not leaning towards paying him as much, and there is also the added threat of summer arrival Eddie Nketiah usurping his starting role.
Hence, when all the factors are mixed, there is a big chance Mateta will leave at the end of the season and probably even in January if the right offers arrive. Crystal Palace would not mind receiving good money in exchange for the £50,000-a-week star, although going by his current form, that might seem unlikely.
