Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.
The Eagles managed to hold out despite the possibility of him leaving during the summer transfer window. Mateta is the club’s best striker and they won’t want to lose him easily. However, he is nearing the end of his contract and Crystal Palace will be under pressure to spend money on him if he refuses to extend his contract.
He is scheduled to become a free agent in the summer of 2027. It will be interesting to see if the France international is prepared to commit his long-term future to the club.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown says Crystal Palace could consider selling the player at the end of the season if they refuse to sign him to a new contract. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop.
Is Jean-Philippe Mateta planning to leave?
“There is a possibility that Mateta could leave in the summer,” Mick Brown told Football Insider.
“Once it starts to become clear that he’s not going to sign, they’re going to want to maximize the compensation they can get.
“So in the summer, if he hasn’t signed a contract, Palace will be tempted to make an offer for him.
“Given his importance to the team, there is a good chance it will be a huge offer, and there are plenty of clubs who need a striker and will pay big to get him.
“Obviously, Palace don’t want to lose him, but they may end up in a situation where they have to do it.”
Palace should keep Mateta
Crystal Palace have shown improvement in recent months, recently winning the FA Cup and Community Shield. They aim to build on this and establish a team that can secure European football on a fairly regular basis.
To do that, they need to keep their best players. They should do everything in their power to convince Mateta to sign a contract extension.
Palace will also lose Marc Gehi. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.