Jean-Philippe Mateta has remained in the headlines ever since his stunning end to the 2023/24 campaign at Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman’s name has stayed on the lips of many football fans as he helps fire Thierry Henry’s France to the semi-finals of the Olympic Games, most recently scoring an excellent header to secure a 1-0 win over Argentina in the quarter-final.
Mateta has also been the subject of an approach from Aston Villa – who are preparing themselves for UEFA Champions League football next season – as contract talks between Crystal Palace and the striker stall.
Now – amid that transfer saga – something the Crystal Palace No.14 said back in January 2021 provides cause for concern…
What Jean-Philippe Mateta said in 2021
After signing for Crystal Palace on an initial 18-month loan back in January 2021, Jean-Philippe Mateta effectively admitted that he planned to use the Eagles as a stepping stone in an interview with So Foot.
When asked if Crystal Palace can win a trophy, the man born in Sevran told the French news outlet: “We can qualify for the Europa League already! Afterwards, Crystal Palace can help me go to the club where I will stay for ten years and with which I will win trophies.”
When also asked about his ambitions, Mateta added: “I want to win trophies, be in the French team, play in the Champions League. I want it all.”
Now, Aston Villa can obviously provide the 27-year-old with UEFA Champions League football next season, which, if he performs well in the competition, could fire him to a club where winning silverware is a regular occurrence.
Ultimately, Mateta claiming that “Crystal Palace can help” him go to another club proves that moving to Selhurst Park is by no means the end goal for the £9m man, and he would be more than open to leaving for a UEFA Champions League side if the opportunity arose.
Crystal Palace No.14 is a man in demand
Aston Villa are not the only UEFA Champions League side looking at Mateta.
UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign Mateta this summer – according to Christian Falk of BILD – as the German giants prepare to lose Niclas Fullkrug to West Ham.
Just below the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League outfit Roma also want to sign Mateta.
READ MORE: Dean Henderson suggests he has told £12m Crystal Palace player to join Sheffield United
Clearly, the Crystal Palace talisman is a striker in demand, and the 2024/25 campaign under Oliver Glasner will need to be a special one if we are to keep him away from this calibre of club next summer.
