Crystal Palace must agree deal now after what Jean-Philippe Mateta just did for France
Crystal Palace have still made no progress in extending Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract past the end of the 2026-27 season.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider on 11 September that Crystal Palace were looking to hold urgent contract talks with Mateta.
This came after sources told Football Insider that Tottenham were monitoring Mateta with his current deal running down.
Leeds were also interested in signing Mateta as the Eagles scramble to retain their prize forward amid intense transfer focus.
With this in mind, his latest performances for France on international duty have served another reminder of why Oliver Glasner must prioritise a new contract for the 28-year-old.
Mateta on target for France as he takes advantage of first senior call-up
The perks of playing at Selhurst Park paid off as Mateta was called up to play for France for the first time.
The number 14 had featured in Thierry Henry’s Olympics squad but he had never formally made a senior appearance for the national team.
Handed his first start against Iceland on 13 October, the ex-Lyon striker took advantage of the opportunity bestowed to him.
In the 68th minute, the Eagles talisman bagged his first senior goal for his country in what was a jubilant moment for the 2024 Olympic finalist.
The Frenchman was a major threat in the Iceland box, registering four shots in total during the match and missing one big chance.
| Selected stats vs Iceland (13 October) | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
| Minutes played | 89 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Total shots (on target) | 4 (2) |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Key passes | 1 |
The former Mainz frontman was also a creative force, delivering one key pass to add to Didier Deschamps’ side’s attacking tenacity.
Considering the plethora of striker options for les Bleus, including Hugo Ekitike and Kylian Mbappe, Mateta‘s performance will put him in good stead to make the 2026 World Cup squad next summer.
Crystal Palace must offer lucrative contract to Mateta as way to persuade Oliver Glasner to stay
In December 2024, the Eagles opted to activate the contract extension clause to keep the Frenchman at the club until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
However, the shortcomings of Steve Parish and co.’s poor planning with contracts are plain to see, with Marc Guehi‘s Liverpool fiasco top of their recent debacles.
Glasner has been unwilling to sign a new deal given the uncertainty around the club’s recruitment and long-term thinking with many stars, including Guehi, set to leave on frees next summer.
Yet, putting pen to paper for Mateta to keep him at Selhurst Park could be a pivotal moment in retaining the Austrian’s services.
An FA Cup victory and a Community Shield triumph have shown how far Crystal Palace have come, and the club’s hierarchy must take decisive action to prevent integral members of the dressing room from departing.
The heroics of the Frenchman on international duty is yet another reason to extend his stay in south London, a choice which could have a delightful ripple effect for upholding the successful future of the Eagles.