Sources: Lyon attempting highly controversial Crystal Palace transfer | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s star player, Jean-Philippe Mateta, is the subject of a hugely controversial bid by Lyon, thanks to John Textor, who owns a stake in both clubs.

It’s controversial because, as of this moment, the Ligue 1 side – owned by Textor – have been banned from signing players because of their dire financial situation, and are provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 next season.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a man in demand

That isn’t expected to change this summer unless there has been a significant improvement in the way that the club is being run.

Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford on February 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Sources have told CaughtOffside that despite the current situation, Textor is looking at every legal avenue open to him in order to facilitate a move for the 27-year-old from the South London outfit, where he also has an interest.

Graham Potter wants Mateta at West Ham despite taking Evan Ferguson on loan during the January transfer window, whilst Barcelona have recently been linked to the striker too.

If Lyon qualify for the Champions League – they’re currently four points off the UCL spots – they would land an initial €18.62m according to Sporting News.

Whilst that wouldn’t alleviate all of their current issues, it would at least make a dent in their financial obligations, and help Textor to negotiate his way out of trouble.

Lyon have competition for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Sources have indicated to CaughtOffside that the French giants won’t have things all their own way, however.

That’s because, thanks to his form this season – he has 17 goals and 2 assists per WhoScored

Crystal Palace are expected to demand at least £30/35m and, if Mateta maintains his current form, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille will all throw their hats into the ring for his services.