Crystal Palace have taken a firm stance in the January transfer market, blocking a potential move for star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to Juventus by setting a prohibitive asking price. This decisive action is a significant relief for manager Oliver Glasner, who has already seen captain Marc Guehi depart this month.
Palace's Firm Stance Scares Off Italian Giants
According to reports from The Athletic, the Serie A club Juventus were keen on signing the French international but have been deterred by Palace's valuation. The South London club slapped a £34.7 million price tag on the forward, a figure the Italian side were unwilling to meet. It is believed Mateta himself was open to the switch, but negotiations collapsed before personal terms could be discussed.
This development comes as a welcome respite for Glasner and the Palace faithful. The club is currently navigating a difficult period on the pitch and the loss of another key player could have been devastating. The January window is a notoriously difficult time to find adequate replacements, especially for a proven Premier League goalscorer like Mateta.
Guehi's Exit Already a Major Blow
The need to hold onto Mateta is amplified by the recent sale of centre-back and club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City. The defender's move, completed for a reported £20 million, happened sooner than anticipated. Many expected Guehi to see out the season with his contract expiring, but City's offer proved irresistible.
Glasner has publicly expressed his disappointment at losing such a pivotal figure, leaving Palace with just 11 days of the January window remaining to potentially reinforce a squad now missing its defensive leader. Guehi, in his first comments as a City player, stated: "I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player. This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career."
Summer Departure Now Seems Inevitable
While the immediate crisis has been averted, the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta at Selhurst Park remains in serious doubt. The 28-year-old's contract expires in 2027, placing him in the prime of his career. With his stock at an all-time high following impressive performances, the desire to compete for major trophies at a top European club is understandable.
The club's hierarchy is acutely aware of the financial lesson learned from the Guehi situation. By allowing his contract to run down, Palace missed out on a significantly larger transfer fee, estimated to be around £55 million. Consequently, a summer sale for Mateta now appears the most likely outcome, allowing Palace to secure a fair return on their asset and avoid a similar scenario next year.
For now, Oliver Glasner can breathe a little easier. He has retained the services of a vital striker for the remainder of a challenging season, but the club must brace for another major squad upheaval when the summer transfer window opens.
