Manchester United Face Nottingham Forest Battle for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to battle for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is increasingly likely to leave Selhurst Park in January, with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest both interested. The 29-year-old is keen to remain in the Premier League, setting up a potential bidding war for a proven top-flight goalscorer.

Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace, 29)
Interested clubs: Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Everton (monitoring)
Likely exit: January transfer window
Key factor: Mateta keen to remain in the Premier League
Palace stance: May cash in as contract runs down

Deal details

According to TeamTalk, Mateta is “increasingly likely to leave Selhurst Park in January”. The striker has made little secret of his desire to leave Palace over the past couple of years, frustrated by the club’s reluctance to offer improved terms. A proposed move to AC Milan collapsed earlier this year, and he even took his case to FIFA during the summer in an attempt to have the final year of his contract cancelled.

Palace have maintained control of the contractual situation, but Mateta’s camp are said to be working hard to identify a suitable destination. January is seen as the time when Palace could get money for the striker, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. No fee has been reported, and any deal would likely be at a reduced price given his contract status.

Injury and availability

Manchester United’s need for a striker has been exacerbated by Benjamin Sesko dealing with a persistent shin injury. The report states United “remain firmly interested in securing a proven Premier League centre-forward” to provide depth through the middle. Mateta himself has no reported injury concerns.

Why Manchester United want Mateta

Manchester United have made no secret of their desire to add a proven Premier League centre-forward. With Benjamin Sesko struggling with a persistent shin injury, the need for depth through the middle has become more pronounced. Jean-Philippe Mateta fits the profile: he has scored double figures in each of the last three Premier League seasons, knows the division, offers a physical focal point, and is keen to stay in England.

United have often looked one injury or one dip in form away from a problem at centre-forward. Mateta may not be the glamorous answer, but his consistency and availability make him a practical option. At 29, he is not a long-term rebuild signing, but he could provide immediate experience and presence without the adaptation risk attached to many alternatives.

Nottingham Forest’s interest

Nottingham Forest have entered the race, with TeamTalk confirming they “are also looking at Mateta as they consider further investment in their forward line”. Even after spending heavily on Liam Delap, Forest have not closed the book on another forward addition. Head coach Oliver Glasner believes “more firepower is required”, with Mateta viewed as “a potential solution”. His Premier League experience, physical presence and consistent goalscoring record are all highlighted as reasons for that interest.

Forest’s involvement strengthens the market around Mateta and raises the prospect of a domestic auction. Everton are also mentioned as a club monitoring events, though for now this feels like a contest in which Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are the names to watch most closely.

Talking points

Is Mateta, at 29, the right short-term fix for Manchester United, or should they target a younger forward with resale value?
Nottingham Forest’s interest could inflate the price – should United move quickly to avoid a bidding war?
Mateta’s desire to stay in the Premier League gives English clubs an advantage – but does he fit United’s style?
Palace risk losing Mateta for nothing in the summer – should they cash in now or hold out for a better offer?

What happens next

The January transfer window opens in a matter of weeks. Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are expected to firm up their interest, while Crystal Palace must decide whether to sell now or risk losing Mateta for free at the end of the season. The striker’s camp are already working on a move, so developments could accelerate once the window opens.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jean-Philippe Mateta leaving Crystal Palace in January?

It is reported that Mateta is increasingly likely to leave Selhurst Park in January, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and his camp actively seeking a move.

Which clubs are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are both interested, while Everton are monitoring the situation. Mateta is also keen to remain in the Premier League despite interest from Europe and the Saudi Pro League.

Why does Manchester United want to sign Mateta?

United remain firmly interested in securing a proven Premier League centre-forward, and with Benjamin Sesko dealing with a persistent shin injury, they need depth. Mateta has scored double figures in each of the last three seasons.