Sources: Jean-Philippe Mateta's Crystal Palace exit faces new complication
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(Credit: Imago) Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Crystal Palace exit hits new roadblock after injury update Mon 20 April 2026 12:30, UK Jean-Philippe Mateta could miss out on a big-money exit from Crystal Palace amid ongoing concerns about his fitness, sources have told Football Insider.The 28-year-old saw a mid-season move to AC Milan fall through due to a failed medical, as a result of a lingering knee issue he has been dealing with this season.Palace have been aware of the issue for months, and gave him time off to rest and recover after the move fell through, from which he has only recently returned.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the level of interest in Mateta could be impacted by concerns about his injury.Crystal Palace will manage his minutes by rotating with Jorgen Strand Larsen between now and the end of the season, with potential suitors keeping a close eye on his progress.Will Jean-Philippe Mateta leave Crystal Palace this summer?Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 15 April that Mateta is still keen to leave Crystal Palace despite his recent return to form. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES His proven goalscoring record in the Premier League was shown once again as he scored twice in the Eagles’ 2-1 win against Newcastle last weekend.Jean-Philippe MatetaPremier League RecordAppearances155Goals48Assists9Jean-Philippe Mateta’s all-time record in the Premier League.
(via Transfermarkt)That form and record in England has inspired interest from a number of clubs both abroad and in the Premier League, but he will have to prove his fitness first.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously it was a huge blow to Mateta to see that move to Milan fall through in the January transfer window with that failed medical. “That might be the only concern for Premier League clubs will be that medical, if there are any longstanding potential injury concerns for him.“He had that time off after the move fell through to recover before coming back into the squad, and Palace are going to be careful with his minutes.“He’s bounced back after having a spell out injured now, as you said, goals against Fiorentina and two against Newcastle.“As long as he’s proved his fitness and can stay clear of injury I’m sure there’ll be a market for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but he will have to prove it’s not long-term.”Which clubs are plotting moves to sign Mateta?AC Milan came closest in their pursuit of Mateta during the mid-season window, when he made clear he was keen to leave Crystal Palace to pursue a move to Italy.Juventus were also heavily linked with the striker, although they could not front the required fee, while a number of Premier League rivals have been keeping tabs.Credit: ImagoNewcastle are among the clubs most recently linked with a move for the France international, although Aston Villa have been long-term admirers and could make a move.Football Insider revealed in January that Aston Villa were plotting a move for Mateta, although Palace were set to demand as much as £40million from domestic rivals.With his contract set to expire in 2027, there is a feeling his price tag could drop, inviting other interested parties to the table as he is widely expected to move on. 🦅 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Crystal Palace Insider Access Get the full story from Selhurst Park and Beckenham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of South London.