Man Utd Eye £25m Jean-Philippe Mateta as Striker Search Intensifies

Man Utd hold strong interest in £25m Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta

Manchester United are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Eagles ready to sell the £25m-rated striker in January to avoid losing him for free next summer. The 29-year-old is keen on a move and is prioritising staying in the Premier League.

Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Interested club: Manchester United
Valuation: Around £25m (Transfermarkt)
Contract status: Entering final few months
Competition: Nottingham Forest, other European clubs, Saudi Pro League sides
Player preference: Stay in the Premier League

Deal details

Mateta is valued at around £25m by Transfermarkt and has entered the final few months of his current contract. Crystal Palace are reportedly ready to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free next summer, meaning a cut-price deal is likely.

Manchester United hold a strong interest in Mateta as they want a new striker following Benjamin Sesko's recent persistent shin problem. Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League since joining from Bologna, further highlighting United's need for attacking reinforcement.

However, the report states that Nottingham Forest are also interested in Mateta despite signing Liam Delap from Chelsea last summer. Therefore, United will have to overcome stiff competition to seal the deal. Other European clubs and Saudi Pro League teams are also in this race, but the player is prioritising staying in the Premier League.

Injury and availability

Manchester United's pursuit of Mateta is driven by Benjamin Sesko's recent persistent shin problem. The nature and severity of the injury are not detailed in the source, but it is described as a factor behind United's desire for a new striker.

What was said

No direct quotes are included in the source article.

Mateta's profile and appeal to Man Utd

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a 6ft 4in tall right-footed striker. He is strong, good in the air, can hold up the play, is efficient in finishing off his chances, and works hard without possession. The Crystal Palace star is an experienced Premier League-proven striker and is currently at the prime stage of his career. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd should they eventually manage to secure his services.

The 29-year-old moved to Selhurst Park from German side Mainz on loan in January 2021 before the deal became permanent the following year. The Frenchman has enjoyed great success with the Eagles in recent years, winning a FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League titles. He has even showcased his productivity in the Premier League, scoring more than 15 goals in the last three consecutive campaigns.

However, with Crystal Palace struggling under new manager Pierre Sage this season, Mateta has displayed below-average performances. Having proven his worth in club football, Mateta secured his place in France's World Cup squad this summer. However, following his recent struggles, Les Bleus' new manager Zinedine Zidane didn't select Mateta in the squad for the September/October international fixtures.

The numbers

Valuation: Around £25m (Transfermarkt)
Age: 29
Height: 6ft 4in
Goals in each of last three Premier League seasons: More than 15
Contract: Entering final few months

Why Mateta fits United's needs

Manchester United's striking department has been a concern this season. Benjamin Sesko has been hampered by a persistent shin problem, while Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since his move from Bologna. Mateta offers a physical, proven alternative: his 6ft 4in frame, aerial ability, hold-up play, and finishing efficiency make him a focal point who can lead the line in the English top flight.

At 29, Mateta is at his peak and available for a relatively modest fee due to his contract situation. His preference to remain in the Premier League gives United an advantage over foreign suitors, but Nottingham Forest's interest and potential competition from other European and Saudi clubs mean United must act decisively. Mateta's recent dip in form under Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace may have lowered his stock, but his track record of scoring 15+ goals in three consecutive top-flight seasons suggests he could rediscover his best at Old Trafford.

A cut-price January deal for Mateta would represent a low-risk solution to United's striker shortage, but the club must weigh his age and current form against the need for an immediate upgrade. If Sesko's shin issue persists, Mateta could become a key figure in United's push for a strong second half of the season.

Talking points

Is Mateta the right profile for United, or should they target a younger striker with resale value given his age and recent form dip?
Crystal Palace's decision to sell in January to avoid losing him for free is sensible business, but does it weaken their squad in a relegation battle under Pierre Sage?
Nottingham Forest's interest shows they are building ambitiously, but would Mateta choose United over a Forest side that can offer regular starts?
Mateta's omission from Zinedine Zidane's France squad suggests his form has dipped, so is he truly an upgrade on Zirkzee?

What happens next

Crystal Palace are expected to sanction Mateta's exit in January, with Manchester United among the frontrunners. The player's preference for staying in the Premier League gives United an edge, but they must see off competition from Nottingham Forest and other European and Saudi clubs. With his contract expiring in the summer, a cut-price deal around £25m is likely. United's urgency depends on Benjamin Sesko's shin problem, and a decision is expected before the January window opens.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jean-Philippe Mateta leaving Crystal Palace?

Yes, according to reports, Mateta is keen on leaving Crystal Palace to take the next step in his career, and the Eagles are ready to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free next summer.

How much is Jean-Philippe Mateta worth?

Mateta is valued at around £25m by Transfermarkt, and with his contract entering the final few months, Crystal Palace are likely to let him leave in a cut-price deal.

Are Manchester United interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Yes, Manchester United reportedly hold a strong interest in signing Mateta as they want a new striker following Benjamin Sesko's recent persistent shin problem.