Sky Sports: Tottenham Hotspur Tried to Sign £50m Premier League Forward in Late Move | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Late Enquiry for Jean-Philippe Mateta Raises Questions

Credit to Sky Sports News for reporting that Tottenham Hotspur explored a potential move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the summer transfer window closed. According to the update, Spurs made a late enquiry, although no official bid followed, before opting to secure Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Deadline Day.

Interest in Crystal Palace’s Key Figures

The story highlights how Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi were not the only Selhurst Park players on the radar of major clubs. Palace successfully resisted approaches for several of their first-team stars, including Daniel Muñoz, but it was Mateta who drew the strongest attention.

“Palace turned down bids worth up to £50m for Mateta from Champions League clubs earlier in the summer,” Sky Sports reported. This stance underlines Palace’s determination to keep hold of a striker who has become integral to their progress.

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Atalanta, AC Milan, Juventus and multiple Premier League sides were linked, yet Palace held firm. The fact that Tottenham came forward with late interest only illustrates how highly regarded Mateta has become in European football.

Mateta’s Rise to Premier League Stature

Mateta’s arrival in 2021 from Mainz, initially on loan, has proved a transformative piece of business for Palace. The move, reportedly worth about £15m, has since delivered one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre forwards.

“He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best No. 9s in the Premier League, and his goals have helped Palace win the FA Cup and the Community Shield and qualify for Europe for the first time.” That achievement has placed him firmly among the league’s elite, with two years left to run on his current contract.

At 28 years old, Mateta represents both peak experience and consistency, qualities that Tottenham seemingly considered at the eleventh hour.

Spurs’ Decision to Pivot

Instead of pushing forward with a formal bid, Spurs completed the temporary signing of Kolo Muani. While the French international is a proven forward at European level, the last-minute enquiry for Mateta suggests Tottenham were still weighing up their options until the final stages of the window.

It remains to be seen whether Mateta will stay in Palace colours beyond the current season. The significant interest from abroad and within the Premier League indicates that future bids are almost certain. Palace’s strong negotiating position, however, ensures any suitor will have to meet a high valuation.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As Tottenham supporters, this report leaves a lingering frustration. Thomas Frank has spoken about needing players who suit his system, with the high-energy pressing and fluid attacking movements he champions. Randal Kolo Muani is a fine addition, but it is difficult to ignore that Spurs clearly entertained the idea of signing Mateta.

The sense of disappointment comes from what Mateta represents. He is Premier League proven, physically dominant and already settled in English football. At 28, he is in his prime, a complete No. 9 who scores decisive goals. Spurs fans have long yearned for a reliable striker to complement and challenge the existing attacking options. The late enquiry feels like a case of “what might have been,” and it raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy.

Kolo Muani brings flair and versatility, yet he arrives on loan, which does not provide the same security as a permanent signing. If he adapts slowly to the pace of the Premier League, Tottenham may find themselves regretting not testing Palace’s resolve with a formal offer.

Fans can accept that not every target is attainable, particularly when clubs like Palace are financially strong enough to resist, but the ambition shown by the late move deserves scrutiny. Spurs supporters expected decisive, proactive moves earlier in the summer. Instead, it looks as though the club scrambled towards the deadline.

If Tottenham fall short in front of goal this season, this moment could become symbolic. For now, the hope is that Kolo Muani delivers, but there will be those who believe Mateta was the missing piece.