The latest Crystal Palace transfer news is looking bad for the club and its fans, as French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly interested in joining Juventus and potentially joining Guéhi in taking the January transfer window exit route. Crystal Palace fans are already heartbroken at captain Marc Guéhi joining Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, and it seems things are about to get worse for them. Manager Oliver Glasner in particular wasn't impressed with the sale of Guehi, leading to an explosive interview where he expressed his frustration with the Crystal Palace board. Now Mateta seems to be the next likely exit, as Serie A giants Juventus are linked with the French striker.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Iconic time at Crystal Palace so far
Jean-Philippe Mateta joined Crystal Palace on 21st January 2021 on an initial 18-month loan, with the club paying a reported €3 million fee and holding an option to buy for €15 million. He made his debut in February 2021 against Leeds United and quickly won over supporters by scoring his first goal with a stylish back-heel in a 2–1 derby victory over Brighton. Palace made the move permanent in January 2022, showing their long-term faith in the French striker.
The 2022–23 campaign was more challenging as Mateta started only six league games, with Odsonne Édouard preferred up front. However, he delivered a crucial moment in April 2023, coming off the bench to score a last-minute winner against Leicester City that ended Palace’s long winless run and marked a perfect return for manager Roy Hodgson. His fortunes changed dramatically in 2023–24, beginning with a hat-trick against Plymouth in the EFL Cup. Strong performances against Manchester City and Liverpool helped him regain a regular starting role after Oliver Glasner became manager.
Mateta flourished under Glasner, scoring consistently and reaching double figures for the season, his best tally at Palace. In April 2024 he hit consecutive braces against West Ham and Newcastle and earned his first Premier League Player of the Month nomination. He broke club records by scoring in six straight home games and later netted a hat-trick against Aston Villa, finishing the season with 16 league goals and being named Crystal Palace Player of the Year, the first Frenchman to win the honour.
He carried that form into 2024–25, scoring regularly in league and cup, including decisive winners over Tottenham and Ipswich. A superb run in early 2025 saw eight goals in eight matches, lifting him to second in Palace’s all-time Premier League scoring list. Mateta helped Palace win the 2025 FA Cup and later scored in the Community Shield and the club’s first ever European match, cementing his status as a modern Palace hero.
Mateta transfer news indicate he might leave Crystal Palace and join Juventus
Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Juventus had a meeting with Jean Philippe Mateta’s camp, which ended with positive talks over personal terms. It was also noted that any potential Juventus deal will be a loan + obligation structure. The latest transfer updates now confirm full personal agreement between the player and the Italian club.
Coming to the club negotiations, Juventus are apparently looking to seal a €30 million loan deal with an obligation to buy for the French striker. However, news coming out is that Palace have rejected this offer as they are looking for a higher number. We have to see in the coming days if Juventus get their man. It wouldn't even be a shock if the transfer collapses, as Crystal Palace are tough negotiators and aren't in need of money after the Guéhi sale to Manchester City.
As for Mateta, he has been an excellent player for Crystal Palace. However, The French striker is almost certain to leave the club either this January window or in the Summer transfer window. Whenever he ends up playing, Mateta is sure to score lots of goals.
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