Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace has moved into a decisive phase after the striker formally informed the club of his intention to leave during the January transfer window, as reported by SoftFootball.
The development follows weeks of internal discussions and comes at a sensitive time for Palace, who are already adjusting to major changes behind the scenes. Mateta’s request, which comes following the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, is a clear signal that he feels ready for the next step of his career.
Crucially, the French forward has also made his transfer preferences very clear, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. Mateta has already told Palace officials that he has no interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League, despite strong financial offers being available there.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
More on Jean Philippe Mateta and his plans after exclusive story on request to leave Palace.
Mateta has already informed the club that he does not want to move to Saudi Pro League.
Clear plans: Premier League or Serie A.
His focus is firmly on staying in Europe, with the Premier League and Serie A identified as his only acceptable destinations. That ambition is closely linked to his international goals, as he looks to cement his place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad ahead of the World Cup.
Clubs competing for European places are seen as the ideal platform for that push. Interest is already forming around those preferences. Aston Villa have emerged as one of the most serious Premier League admirers, with Unai Emery keen to add a proven goalscorer as Villa juggle domestic and European commitments.
There is also genuine interest from Italy, with Juventus having explored a move earlier in the window, although their initial loan-based proposal was quickly rejected by Palace. From Crystal Palace’s side, the message remains firm. The club are not prepared to sanction a cut-price sale.
Valued at between £35m and £40m, Mateta is viewed as one of the most reliable forwards in the league, especially given his scoring output since Oliver Glasner’s arrival. Only a handful of elite names have outscored him in that period, which underlines why Palace are holding their ground.
With Mateta clear on what he wants and Palace equally clear on their valuation, the next days could define one of the window’s most intriguing transfer stories.
