Softfootball understands that AC Milan have officially abandoned plans to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta after concerns emerged during a second round of medical tests carried out in London today.
The decision, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, brings a dramatic end to a deal that had looked all but done, with both clubs and the player already aligned on key terms.
He posted:
BREAKING: Jean Philippe Mateta will NOT join AC Milan following double session of medical tests today.Crystal Palace have been informed.The player wanted the move but it won’t happen.
Following a recent report that AC Milan had agreed on personal terms with the player However, lingering doubts over a pre-existing knee problem ultimately proved too significant for Milan’s medical department to overlook.
Sources close to the process confirm that further examinations revealed ongoing issues linked to a knee injury Mateta had been managing during his time at Selhurst Park.
After reviewing the findings, Milan’s doctors advised against proceeding, judging the long-term risk too high, especially for a player expected to lead the line immediately.
Despite Crystal Palace approving the sale, they were waiting on the deal to be completed in order to wrap up a £48m move for Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner had earlier left him out of the squad against Nottingham Forest, noting the striker wasn’t in the right mental space amid the speculation.
For Palace, the fallout is manageable. Strand Larsen’s arrival helps ease the setback, allowing the club to keep Mateta without being forced into a rushed sale. With no late bids arriving from Juventus or Nottingham Forest, the 26-year-old will remain in south London, for now at least.
As for Milan, attention turns elsewhere, though realistic deadline-day options are scarce. And for Mateta, the failed medical could quietly shadow his market value when summer arrives.
