Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly expected to leave Crystal Palace after the 2025/26 season ends, having failed to join AC Milan in the winter transfer window.
According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Jean-Philippe Mateta may not have a long-term future at Crystal Palace. The French international came close to joining AC Milan in the winter transfer window before a deadline-day deal failed to materialise. However, there is “a 100 per cent chance” that he will leave Crystal Palace this summer.
Kaveh Solhekol said, “I think there is a 100 per cent chance that Jean-Philippe Mateta will leave Crystal Palace in the summer. They brought in Jorgen Strand-Larsen. Mateta’s been telling Palace for months and months that he wants to leave in the summer. He’ll only have a year left on his contract. He’ll definitely leave then.”
How has Jean-Philippe Mateta fared at Crystal Palace?
Jean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of the most reliable strikers in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from FSV Mainz 05. The South London outfit initially signed the player on loan in January 2021 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window. While the 28-year-old did not immediately set the stage alight, Oliver Glasner has transformed him into a top-class centre-forward in the last few years.
The French international has made nearly 200 appearances for Crystal Palace thus far, chipping in with 56 goals and 13 assists. Meanwhile, Mateta’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Reports in the winter transfer window linked him with several high-profile clubs, with Juventus also failing with a bid to sign him.
What next for Mateta?
Jean-Philippe Mateta came close to joining AC Milan in the winter transfer window. While the Rossoneri secured an agreement in principle to secure the Crystal Palace striker’s services after protracted discussions with the South London club, a deadline-day move failed to materialise.
The move collapsed after AC Milan’s medical staff noticed an issue with Mateta’s knee during his medical tests. So, the Serie A giants decided against pursuing the 28-year-old Frenchman’s signature in the winter transfer window.
Recent reports have claimed that Mateta may undergo surgery to fix his knee issue, but he is expected to leave Crystal Palace after the 2025/26 season ends. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the French international.