Jean-Philippe Mateta now wants to leave Crystal Palace in January.
That is according to The Athletic.
So, what is the latest on Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
Jean-Philippe Mateta wants to leave Crystal Palace
Well, the Frenchman has become frustrated at a lack of playing time under Roy Hodgson.
Mateta has only made three starts in the Premier League this season as Odsonne Edouard is preferred up top, with his other eight league appearances coming from the bench.
As a result, the £50,000-a-week striker wants to leave Selhurst Park.
The Athletic believe there is interest in Mateta from Germany and Turkey, with Eintracht Frankfurt said to be keen on securing his signature.
It is also said that Crystal Palace may only allow the 26-year-old to leave if Dougie Freedman can secure a replacement first, which makes sense.
Hodgson’s frontline is already wafer thin in terms of depth, so it would be incredibly risky to let Mateta go without signing a new attacker.
The Athletic add that Crystal Palace will look to make their money back in the event of any sale.
Mateta was signed in a £9m deal from Mainz 05 back in January 2022 after a period on loan.
Hugo Ekitike could replace Jean-Philippe Mateta
Hugo Ekitike could be signed to replace Mateta.
The PSG No.44 was a target during the summer window, but the French giants refused to let him go.
Now – however – it is said that Ekitike will be allowed to depart the Parc des Princes this January, so we wouldn’t be surprised if a deal materialises this winter.
The 21-year-old has only played eight minutes of football this season after effectively being banished from the squad by Luis Enrique, having refused to join Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen.
