Sources: Crystal Palace could be forced to accept new Jean-Philippe Mateta offer
Crystal Palace may have to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta in the coming windows if they cannot agree on a new deal past June 2027.
Over the summer, the Frenchman was the focus of intense transfer speculation with several clubs in the hunt for the prolific goalscorer.
Sources told Football Insider that Leeds were monitoring Mateta’s contract situation at Crystal Palace with goals a major issue for Daniel Farke.
Similarly, Tottenham were rebuked by Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Mateta with the club unwilling to part ways in the summer.
Yet, with hopes of a new contract fading, the Eagles are being progressively pushed into a corner on what to do with the number 14.
January move for Mateta ‘highly unlikely’ as Crystal Palace weigh up future contract negotiations
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the south London outfit would prefer the France international to sign a new deal than sell him.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Crystal Palace are “urgently” looking to tie Mateta down to a new contract.
Yet, if the Eagles received a tremendous offer that couldn’t be ignored, the board may be more willing to let go of their prized striker in the near future.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I would say a move in January is highly unlikely.
“I don’t think Crystal Palace would entertain any offers for Mateta unless it was an extortionate offer that they couldn’t turn down.
“He’s a key man for Oliver Glasner‘s side. Palace are enjoying a good season themselves and they won’t want to lose their top striker midway through the season because he will be pretty hard to replace.
“Palace have ambitions of their own of progressing in Europe this season and finishing as high up the Premier League table as possible.
“Obviously, it’s a bit of a concern for Palace. He’s just into the final 18 months of his contract and it does seem a new deal is unlikely.
“He’s in no rush to sign a new deal with Palace. So again, I think Palace might have to revisit this one in the summer. If he’s not going to sign a new deal, that might be one of their last opportunities to cash in on him.”
Marc Guehi adamant of Crystal Palace exit as centre-back search ramps up
One player’s contract extension that looks certainly impossible to achieve is the Englishman who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiration of his current deal.
Sources told Football Insider that Crystal Palace are drawing up a list of centre-back candidates to replace Marc Guehi.
Planning has been a major issue for the Eagles hierarchy and ideally bringing in the 25-year-old’s successor in January would be logical.
Time is of the essence for the south London side to find their next defensive anchor to continue the club’s recent successes.