Report: Crystal Palace in talks with star striker as Man Utd and Juve circle | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace’s Reluctant Hero Approaches Defining Crossroads

Mateta’s Rise to Prominence

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s evolution from Bundesliga prospect to Premier League powerhouse has been neither flashy nor sudden, but instead marked by a quiet, methodical ascent. Since joining Crystal Palace from Mainz in January 2021, initially on loan, he has become central to the club’s attacking identity. With 36 goals over the past two seasons and an FA Cup triumph to his name, the Frenchman’s value is no longer under the radar.

Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol has confirmed that the forward is now in talks over a new deal with Palace. At 27, and with two years remaining on his current contract, Mateta finds himself at a pivotal juncture. The club reportedly values him at around £35 million – a reflection of both his form and his importance to the squad.

Interest from European Heavyweights

It comes as little surprise that both Manchester United and Juventus are keeping close tabs on Mateta’s situation. Strikers who can score consistently in the Premier League and offer a robust physical presence are in high demand. Mateta has not only scored, but he’s often carried Palace in big moments – a trait that’s hard to price.

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His reported suitors underline the growing recognition of his contribution. United, who remain in transition under Ruben Amorim, are in need of a reliable frontman, while Juventus, seeking a reset in attack, would view Mateta as a ready-made solution.

Still, Crystal Palace are adamant – “he is not for sale.” That resolve becomes more than just a financial stance. It’s symbolic. Mateta is no longer just part of the team; he is the team’s offensive identity.

A Player in Control

Mateta’s current deal puts him in a position of power. While he remains under contract, he holds increasing leverage. If the likes of United or Juventus were to test Palace’s resolve with a formal offer, it’s difficult to predict what might unfold. For now, the club’s insistence is clear – “Palace want Mateta to stay.”

Yet players of his calibre, particularly in form and in demand, inevitably drive the terms of their future. Should Palace succeed in tying him down to a new long-term deal, it would be more than a retention. It would be a declaration of ambition.

Strategic Importance in South London

For Palace, keeping Mateta would signal intent. This is not merely about holding onto a goal-scorer, but preserving the spine of a team with upward momentum. After years of mid-table anonymity, the FA Cup win under Oliver Glasner hinted at a more assertive version of Palace, one no longer content to be merely competitive.

Mateta’s presence at the top of the pitch fuels that vision. He fits the Glasner model perfectly – physical, sharp in transition, and a relentless runner off the ball.

In short, Palace do not just want to keep him. They need to.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace fan’s perspective, this latest update on Jean-Philippe Mateta feels like both good news and a warning. On one hand, the club is clearly making the right move by opening contract talks. Mateta’s impact has gone beyond goals – he’s become the face of a team finally dreaming beyond survival.

But there’s always that nagging fear, especially when names like Manchester United and Juventus get mentioned. We’ve seen it before. A star shines too brightly in SE25, and suddenly bigger clubs swoop in with offers that are hard to turn down. The difference this time? It feels like Palace might finally be ready to hold firm.

Still, fans would like to see more proactive moves. Securing Mateta should be part of a broader plan to build around him, not just keep him for another year or two before cashing in. If he signs a new deal, fans will want assurances that this isn’t just a strategy to raise his transfer fee. They’ll want to know that Palace is serious about pushing higher up the table and giving Glasner the tools he needs.