Crystal Palace have been urged to cash in on Jean-Philippe Mateta as interest grows from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, with reports suggesting the striker has told the club he is open to a new challenge. Mateta, under contract until 2027, is valued by Palace at around £40 million. Former executives say Palace are prepared to accept a bid if that figure is met.
Crystal Palace open to Mateta sale as Villa, Forest interest builds
Crystal Palace could be set to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta in January after the striker indicated he is open to moving on, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest both linked. Mateta, 28, has been described as a revelation at Selhurst Park, scoring 40 goals in 93 appearances under Oliver Glasner and helping the Eagles in the FA Cup last season.
Mateta is under contract until 2027 and turns 29 in June, factors that have shaped Palace’s valuation at around £40 million. Reports cited in the source suggest Forest would be willing to pay £35 million. The report also says Sean Dyche is seeking more firepower because Chris Wood has been struggling to overcome a knee injury, while Forest are looking to go far in the Europa League and avoid Premier League relegation.
The prospect of losing Mateta comes after other significant departures referenced in the source, with Palace having sold Ebere Eze to Arsenal last summer and club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January. It could also add to the pressure on Glasner, who has confirmed he will not renew his contract beyond the end of 2025-26 and has criticised the club’s ownership, saying he has been left “abandoned” by a lack of backing in the transfer market.
Former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness said Palace should consider accepting £40 million and using it to reshape the squad. Speaking to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said Palace have “a chance” to rebuild and advised them to “take it, move on and rebuild as best they can,” while adding that at some stage they will have to hold onto talent.
Ex-Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown also told Football Insider that Palace are prepared to let Mateta go, arguing it has largely been taken out of their hands because the player “wants to leave” and is “not happy at the club any more.” Brown said Palace do not want to keep unhappy players, adding that if a club meets Palace’s valuation, “they’ll accept it,” but stressed the key will be securing a replacement.
