Despite claims that they will no longer be seeking for a new striker, Crystal Palace may have to respond to interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace was uncertain over the summer, and the same is true heading into the January transfer window. After all, he’s only appeared in three Premier League games this season.
According to Bild, he is currently on the shortlist of Eintracht Frankfurt, who are looking for a new center-forward after losing Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day last summer and not having enough time to find a successor.
Eintracht made €95 million by selling Kolo Muani, but they feel they can get Mateta for around €10 million (£8.6 million), which would be a steal.
Obviously, it would only be worthwhile if Mateta performed admirably for the Bundesliga club. But, having previously scored 27 goals in 71 appearances for Mainz, he has demonstrated what he is capable of in Germany.
Mateta is still under contract at Crystal Palace until 2026, but the club may have already decided on his price, according to the report. However, according to a separate report from Football Insider, Crystal Palace have abandoned intentions to recruit a new striker in January.
Due to the injury of midfielder Cheick Doucoure, the club has decided to focus its efforts on replacing that vacuum instead.
Crystal Palace’s coffers are limited ahead of the January transfer window, making it doubtful that they will be able to invest in both departments. As a result, if they let Mateta leave, it will most likely be without a successor.
Is it feasible for Crystal Palace to part ways with Mateta?
This would leave only Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew as the club’s sole natural center-forwards, unless an alternative loan option becomes viable. Given Edouard’s status as Crystal Palace’s leading scorer this season, he is expected to be dependable enough to navigate them through the rest of the campaign.
