Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace star makes contract decision ahead of January transfer window

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·1 December 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace star makes contract decision ahead of January transfer window

Striker dreams of playing Champions League football

Jean-Philippe Mateta is not set to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace as he enters the last 18 months of his current deal.

OneFootball Videos

Standard Sport understands Mateta has not held talks over a new deal since the summer.

The Frenchman’s current contract is due to expire in June 2027 after Palace triggered an option for a one-year extension last December.

Standard Sport reported last week that Mateta was holding out for an improved wage packet if he is to remain at Selhurst Park.

The France international, who has scored two goals in three appearances for his country, is hoping to be called up to Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old has been in superb form over the last two-and-a-half seasons and has nine goals in all competitions this term.

He has made no secret of his desire to play for a Champions League side, saying in October: “It’s natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone. Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies.”

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been in fine form this campaign

Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Mateta’s decision comes after Palace manager Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires next summer, criticised the club’s transfer business following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

“We all would have wished a little bit more backing, yes,” Glasner said, adding that if Palace were going to be successful this season, they could not afford to be patient in the January market.

“Sorry to disappoint you. Patience is not something for me, you know, we want to succeed, and we want to win games in every competition.

“It's easy, we could say now when we play Arsenal in the EFL Cup, not an important game for everybody, for the club, nothing to win, but I don't want this, I don't like this attitude.

“So for us, it's compete every single game, and the club has to get the resources to get this done because this is the progress, and if we don't want progress, OK, let's stop playing.”

“So, we knew this schedule will come, and these players, this group of players is prepared, and we will go through it.

“But there is nothing to be patient. It's just for us to keep the head up, to stay positive in the way what we are doing. Maybe again, I'm always thinking, what can I change first? And so it's my responsibility to find the right answers for the schedule.

“I think in January, you just correct what you missed in the summer, to be honest. We have played 34 games, I think, until the 10th of January. That's about 60, 65 percent of the season. So again, let's see.”