Crystal Palace eye Manchester City striker as Jean Philippe Mateta replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City could be subject to transfer interest from South London in 2026 as one of their highly-rated attacking talents emerges as a player admired.

City’s academy and emerging forward pool continues to attract considerable attention across the Premier League, particularly following the success of previous loanees and the club’s willingness to give young attackers meaningful senior exposure.

Divin Mubama’s name has been circulating among recruitment departments since his breakthrough at West Ham, and his decision to join Manchester City only intensified the spotlight on the striker.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise across the last 18 months, combining a strong youth pedigree with early senior contributions. His FA Cup debut goal for City in January 2025 put him firmly on the radar of clubs seeking long-term centre-forward options.

This season’s loan spell at Stoke City has only strengthened his reputation. In line with City’s wider pathway strategy seen with the likes of Liam Delap and Emile Heskey’s sons progressing through the ranks, Mubama has benefitted from consistent Championship minutes.

Now, according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Crystal Palace are ‘keeping an eye on’ Manchester City’s highly-rated young striker Mubama in case Jean Philippe Mateta leaves the club.

It is claimed Eagles scouts have been monitoring the England Under-21 forward while on loan at Championship high-flyers Stoke City this season, having previously been interested in the player when he opted to join Manchester City from West Ham in summer 2024.

With Mateta attracting interest from European clubs and entering a potential crossroads in his Selhurst Park future, preparations for succession planning are underway. Mubama, boasting Championship output including a debut goal and a standout senior hat-trick this season, fits the profile of a forward capable of evolving within a high-pace, transitional system.

From Manchester City’s perspective, a 2026 permanent exit or further loan could be realistic depending on Mubama’s progression. Much of their decision-making will hinge on first-team pathway clarity, especially with established names such as Erling Haaland continuing to dominate the attacking ranks.

Should Palace formalise interest, negotiations would likely depend on City’s preference for a buy-back clause – a structure they have used repeatedly in recent years to maintain influence over elite academy departures.