Jean-Philippe Mateta and Oliver Glasner (Photo by Justin Setterfield, Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are said to be trying to block the exit of the January transfer window for in-form French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Eagles star recently informed the club that he wants out this month, amid interest from Aston Villa and Juventus.
See below for the latest post from Fabrizio Romano on Mateta’s future, as he says talks are still ongoing about his possible move…
??? Jean-Philippe Mateta and his camp have informed Crystal Palace of his desire to leave the club.
After talks with Aston Villa and Juventus, Mateta is hopeful that January will go ahead with the decision now in Palace’s hands.
Negotiations are still ongoing. pic.twitter.com/2QXj0uuuxO
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2026
Despite this transfer request, it seems that Palace may try to prevent anything being done this winter as they want this important player to stay at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace to block Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown discussed the situation, and told Palace to try their best to keep Mateta.
The 28-year-old’s departure would undoubtedly be a major blow after Marc Guehi already left to join Manchester City this month, and manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will stay on until the end of his contract this summer.
“Look, it’s difficult for Crystal Palace at the moment, there’s been a lot of turmoil in the last few weeks,” Brown said.
“Oliver Glasner has confirmed that he is going to leave, Marc Guehi has moved to Man City, and now Mateta has told the club that he wants to leave.
“They don’t want to let him go in January, the squad is being eaten at the moment, but Palace will have to balance everything, because he is in the last 18 months of his contract.
“They refused a loan with the obligation to buy from Juventus, which is not compatible with Crystal Palace, and now Aston Villa is seeing if there is an agreement to be made.
“I think Palace will do everything possible to try to keep the player and will have to review the situation in the summer.
“It seems that Mateta will leave the Palace but they will try to persuade him to stay until the summer and then they will open the door in the summer.
“That will allow more clubs to come in and sign Mateta, and it will give Palace more time to bring in a replacement.
“It’s going to be tight between now and the end of the transfer window, but with everything going on at Palace, they can’t let their top goalscorer go.”
Mateta has a record 40 Premier League goals in 122 appearances for Palace, and played his part in the club’s FA Cup success last season.
It’s easy to imagine him lighting up a big club, but Palace can’t afford another blow like this in the transfer market.
