Crystal Palace fans might want to fasten their seatbelts — because their star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta could be edging toward the Selhurst Park exit door.
Despite becoming one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards under manager Oliver Glasner, contract negotiations between Mateta and the club have reportedly stalled, leaving his long-term future hanging in the balance.
Mateta’s Palace story began quietly, arriving on an 18-month loan from Mainz in 2021. But the moment Glasner arrived, the Frenchman transformed into a goal machine.
Across his first two seasons with Glasner, he smashed in 36 goals in all competitions, helping Crystal Palace shock the football world by winning the 2024–25 FA Cup.
And he’s far from slowing down. This season alone, the 28-year-old already has nine goals, including seven in the Premier League — making him the joint-third top scorer, behind only Erling Haaland (14) and Igor Thiago (11).
Not bad for a striker whose career once looked uncertain.
But even with his electric form, Mateta isn’t rushing to sign a new deal.
According to the BBC, early discussions showed promise, but negotiations have since “hit the buffers.” His contract runs until 2027, but Mateta reportedly prefers to delay any major decision until after the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to cement his place in the France squad.
With this hesitation, Palace now face the uncomfortable reality that the forward could attract bigger offers — and he knows it.
Top European sides are circling.
Among them is Atalanta, who remain one of Italy’s most exciting, competitive sides and are currently pushing through the Champions League group phase. And they’re not alone — several unnamed continental clubs have also logged their interest.
For a striker in his prime, with numbers that rival Europe’s best, the attraction is obvious.
This contract turbulence comes at a tense time, with manager Oliver Glasner expressing his frustration with Palace’s summer business.
After Sunday’s 2–1 loss to Manchester United, he didn’t hold back.
Glasner criticized the lack of reinforcement despite the club’s first-ever European campaign, saying Palace “missed the chance” to build a stronger squad.
Losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal didn’t help, and although seven players arrived (six permanent, one on loan), Glasner feels it wasn’t enough.
“If you play European football for the first time in your history, you should invest and not save… the chance to play an even better season we threw away in the summer.”
Strong words — and the kind that underline just how delicate Palace’s situation is becoming.
The Eagles now face a double dilemma:
Their manager is frustrated.
Their best striker is uncertain about staying.
If Palace want to keep building towards the elite levels they briefly touched under Glasner, both issues must be resolved — fast.
Because losing Mateta, especially during his prime years, could set the club back significantly.
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