Quick Read
- Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored seven goals in 13 Premier League games for Crystal Palace this season.
- AC Milan remain interested in signing Mateta, but Crystal Palace are reluctant to sell.
- Mateta’s contract with Palace expires in 2027, with no recent progress on a renewal.
- Manager Oliver Glasner is confident Palace can have another successful season.
Jean-Philippe Mateta: The Relentless Striker Driving Crystal Palace’s Ambitions
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s journey at Crystal Palace has been nothing short of transformative. Once seen as a promising, if inconsistent, forward, the Frenchman has now carved out a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goal threats—particularly against newly promoted sides. His latest tally—seven goals from 13 league games—has not only kept Palace firmly in the top half of the table but also drawn admiring glances from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including AC Milan.
Red-Hot Form: Mateta’s Impact in 2025
It’s no exaggeration to say Mateta is enjoying the best spell of his career. The statistics paint a compelling picture: six goals in his last eight league appearances against newly promoted teams, and a crucial penalty against Manchester United in Palace’s recent 2-1 defeat. His knack for delivering in high-pressure moments has become the backbone of Oliver Glasner’s attacking strategy.
Manager Oliver Glasner, still fresh from his first full season in charge, has repeatedly praised Mateta’s professionalism and hunger. Reflecting on his debut match at Selhurst Park—a 3-0 win over Burnley in 2024 where Mateta found the net—Glasner reminisced about the “warm welcome” and the sense that a new era had begun. Since then, the Eagles have continued to soar, outpacing their points tally from last season and earning a reputation for resilience, even in the face of a busy schedule.
According to Fotmob, Glasner remains bullish about Palace’s prospects: “We are still better in the points difference last season to this season… Although everyone talks about fatigue, the running numbers were even better than Manchester United, who could rest for a whole week.” Mateta’s relentless work ethic is central to that narrative.
Transfer Talk: Milan’s Temptation and Contract Uncertainty
Yet beneath the optimism, uncertainty simmers. Reports have emerged in recent months linking Mateta with a move to Italy, specifically to AC Milan. The Rossoneri, fresh from a summer of squad rebuilding, have kept a close eye on the striker after reportedly making an approach during the last transfer window. While Palace rebuffed Milan’s overtures, insisting they had no need to sell, the possibility of a future move remains very much alive.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, speaking via MilanNews, revealed that Mateta is “ready for a different experience” and that Italy is an attractive destination. The Frenchman’s contract with Palace runs until 2027, but Romano notes that discussions about an extension have stalled since August 2025: “Mateta doesn’t seem very inclined to renew his contract… I can confirm that Italy is a destination he would consider, as well as staying in the Premier League.”
For now, Palace are holding firm. Glasner’s ambitions, bolstered by last season’s FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs, align with the club’s refusal to part with their star forward. However, as the January and summer transfer windows approach, the balance between club loyalty and personal ambition may be tested.
Palace’s Position: Between Stability and Ambition
Crystal Palace’s resurgence under Glasner has been one of the quiet stories of the Premier League season. Ninth in the table but just five points off second place after 13 games, Palace have proved a tough proposition for both top teams and newly promoted sides. Their record—just one defeat in their last 17 league games against promoted clubs—speaks to a newfound consistency.
Mateta’s presence is a big reason why. His combination of physicality, movement, and clinical finishing gives Palace a focal point in attack that few mid-table rivals can match. His ability to step up in big games—whether in Europe or domestically—has made him indispensable.
But success breeds attention. As Palace aim to push for European qualification, they face the perennial challenge of holding onto their best talent. The interest from Milan is not just a compliment to Mateta, but a test of the club’s resolve and ambition.
What Comes Next? A Season of Decisions
For now, all eyes are on the coming months. Palace’s busy fixture list will test their depth and resolve. Glasner’s confidence is unwavering—he believes his team can repeat, or even surpass, last season’s achievements. But for Mateta, the months ahead may shape the trajectory of his career.
Will he choose to stay and cement his legacy in South London, or will the lure of Serie A and the San Siro prove irresistible? Either way, the story of Jean-Philippe Mateta is about more than goals and rumors—it’s about ambition, loyalty, and the pursuit of something greater.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation encapsulates the tension at the heart of modern football: between club ambition and personal dreams, between loyalty and opportunity. As Palace continue their upward climb, their ability to keep hold of their talismanic striker could define not just their season, but their future. If Milan’s interest turns concrete, Palace will face a defining crossroads—one that could reshape both player and club trajectories for years to come.