Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly ruled out a winter move to Leeds United, but he is open to joining Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the subject of interest of Leeds United. The Whites are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the winter transfer window. So, the 28-year-old Crystal Palace centre-forward has emerged as a target for the West Yorkshire outfit.
However, the Frenchman “has no interest” in joining Leeds United in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, Mateta is also a target for Aston Villa, and “the prospect of heading to Aston Villa is rousing” the Crystal Palace striker. Meanwhile, the Eagles are “determined to fend off advances” for their star striker, as they do not want to part ways with him midway through the 2025/26 season.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and his Crystal Palace career so far
Jean-Philippe Mateta has gone from strength to strength since joining Crystal Palace from FSV Mainz 05. While the 28-year-old took some time to land on his feet at the South London club, he has blossomed into a prolific striker under Oliver Glasner, becoming one of the most underrated players in the Premier League in the last 18 months.
The French striker has been hot off the blocks in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring three goals in six outings across all competitions thus far. Mateta’s progress in the last two seasons means it is hardly surprising that he has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs. Aston Villa and Leeds United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been on Aston Villa’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, considering Ollie Watkins’s long-term future is uncertain. However, even if the English international remains at Aston Villa, he can strike a long-term partnership with Mateta.
As for Leeds United, the newly promoted Premier League club signed several strikers in the summer transfer window. However, Daniel Farke can do with more firepower in the final third, and Mateta is an option worth considering. But a winter move to Leeds United will unlikely materialise, as the 28-year-old Frenchman has no interest in joining the West Yorkshire outfit.
However, Mateta has no qualms about moving to Aston Villa, boosting the West Midlands club’s prospects. But while the French striker is open to joining Aston Villa, convincing Crystal Palace to part ways with him will be a tall order.
