United Step Up Interest in Crystal Palace Star with £29.5m Bid Expected | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta: Manchester United’s Striker Solution?

Mateta’s Rise Catches United’s Eye

Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new boss Ruben Amorim continues to take shape, and with Matheus Cunha already signed from Wolves, attention now shifts to another key piece: a new No. 9. As per TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is now at the top of United’s shortlist.

Mateta, fresh off a remarkable season in which he helped Palace lift the FA Cup, is reportedly available at a fee of €30m (£25.2m) to €35m (£29.5m). “TEAMtalk sources state that United are expected to make a concrete move in the coming days to explore the conditions of a potential deal.”

Given the volatile striker market and Palace’s openness to selling, this could represent a shrewd piece of business, if United act swiftly.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Tug-of-War Looms

Palace have already moved to protect their asset by triggering the option to extend Mateta’s contract until 2027, but the lure of a sizeable fee means they remain open to offers. For a club trying to retain momentum post-Roy Hodgson and build under Oliver Glasner, selling their cup-winning striker may feel like a step back, but business often takes precedence.

Juventus and AC Milan, according to TEAMtalk, are also monitoring the situation. “Juventus are seriously considering a move for Mateta,” the report states, citing his affordability and suitability to their tactical approach. With Victor Osimhen off the table, the French striker is seen as a realistic Plan B.

AC Milan’s new era under Massimiliano Allegri also factors into the race. His preference will carry significant weight in determining whether Mateta becomes the Rossoneri’s new focal point in attack.

Amorim’s Attacking Evolution

Ruben Amorim’s tactical preferences are already reshaping United’s recruitment. The Cunha signing suggests a willingness to blend creative movement with goalscoring, and Mateta’s clinical, physically imposing style offers an ideal complement.

Mateta, 27, would also represent an upgrade on Rasmus Højlund — at least in the short term. While the Danish striker remains a long-term project, Mateta’s experience and sharp finishing provide immediate impact. In 2024/25, his form has turned heads across Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Palace’s asking price seems remarkably modest when measured against Premier League standards. United’s hesitation on Liam Delap, who now looks Chelsea-bound for £30m, should offer a warning: delay can be costly.

Race Against Time

If United are serious, they must act quickly. Juventus and Milan won’t wait around, and the Premier League’s riches still hold weight, but not without resolve. Mateta has been on the radar of top clubs before, but never has his form and availability aligned so favourably.

“Despite Mateta’s fantastic season in which he helped Palace win the FA Cup, the Eagles are willing to sell the forward,” TEAMtalk report. The implication is clear: the window is open, but not indefinitely.

As United prepare their next steps, this could be a defining moment in Amorim’s summer. A signing like Mateta signals a clear intent: not just to rebuild, but to reimpose.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United, this interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta is both encouraging and slightly overdue. While Højlund has potential, the squad clearly needs a more seasoned striker, someone who can bang in 15-20 goals without needing a bedding-in season. Mateta ticks that box.

Palace fans might be baffled at the relatively low fee, but for United, £25–30 million is smart business. Mateta’s performance in the FA Cup run showed he can handle big-game pressure, and that’s something we’ve lacked in too many key moments.

The concern? United’s recent habit of dithering in the market. We’ve seen players slip away, from Bellingham to Frenkie de Jong, due to hesitation. If Juventus or Milan land Mateta while United “explore the conditions”, that’ll feel like another opportunity wasted.

Fans want to see Ratcliffe’s vision translate into decisive action. Amorim appears to have a clear idea of who fits his system, and the board must now match that clarity with conviction. Mateta might not be the glamour name, but he could be the right fit, and those are the signings that build winning teams.