Newcastle United bound to overpay for Jean-Philippe Mateta as Crystal Palace star back to his best
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Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media Fri 1 May 2026 18:00, UK Newcastle United could let their desperation get the better of them, as former target Jean-Philippe Mateta stars for Crystal Palace once again.Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have both failed to hold down the centre-forward spot at St James’ Park, leaving Eddie Howe with very few options through the middle.In recent weeks, William Osula has broken into the lineup, especially with Anthony Gordon unavailable due to a reported injury. Still, it has not helped in the slightest, with the Magpies on a five-game losing streak.Newcastle’s transfer chiefs are likely to be working overtime during the summer transfer window, and Mateta is likely to be one of the priority targets for the 2026-27 campaign.Sensational start from Crystal Palace as they take the lead inside 30 seconds ⚽📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/r9kLUmjHtW— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 30, 2026 View Tweet 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom.
VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Jean-Philippe Mateta could make Newcastle United switchPalace’s No.14 has had injury problems throughout the 2025-26 campaign, only rubbing salt into the wounds at Selhurst Park after the striker pushed for a move away during the previous two windows.However, his assist for Ismaila Sarr’s first-minute opener against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, 30 April, took his tally to 13 goals and three assists for the season. Not bad for a wantaway, injury-stricken striker.Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are plotting a move for Mateta, having previously been interested in his services, but it could come at quite a cost this summer.StatisticsJean-Philippe MatetaNick WoltemadeYoane WissaMinutes played20701699451Goals1071Assists030Chances created7152Shot accuracy58%52%42%Big chances missed1964Successful dribbles per 900.610.640.20*Premier League stats onlyHis valuation stands around the £35million-£40million mark, but even last summer, the Eagles were holding out for a little more.
Given his exploits in recent weeks, that fee could rise even higher.Crystal Palace star likely to replace Yoane Wissa alreadyAs already discussed, neither of Newcastle’s big-money strikers has managed to hit the ground running at St James’ Park this season, but Wissa has been by far the most frustrating.Football Insider understands that Newcastle could already sell Wissa, with Howe having low confidence in the former Brentford man, and it would make total sense to see the club move him on this summer.While Mateta has been at the centre of controversy over the last 12 months, he is a seriously talented centre-forward, one who would be an incredible addition to Howe’s current squad.The Magpies might have to shell out for his signature, though. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Newcastle Insider Access Get the full story from St James’ Park and Darsley Park with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Tyneside.