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Fabrizio Romano: Crystal Palace Face Looming Exit of Jean-Philippe Mateta as Man Utd and Real Madrid Table Lucrative Bids
Crystal Palace could be set to lose star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta at the end of the 2025/2026 season, with Manchester United and Real Madrid submitting formal offers for the French forward, according to reports from *Sky Sports* and *Fabrizio Romano*. The 27-year-old, who has been instrumental in Palace’s recent campaigns, is now at the center of a high-stakes transfer battle, with both clubs prepared to trigger his rumored €50–60 million release clause.
### Mateta’s Meteoric Rise at Selhurst Park
Since joining Palace permanently from Mainz in 2022 for €12 million, Mateta has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers. His 18-goal haul in the 2024/2025 season propelled the Eagles to a top-half finish, earning him the club’s Player of the Year award. This season, he has continued his prolific form, netting 12 goals in 22 appearances and attracting attention from Europe’s elite. Palace manager Oliver Glasner recently praised Mateta as “the heartbeat of our attack,” but admitted retaining him would be “a challenge if top clubs come calling.”
Manchester United view Mateta as a solution to their long-standing striker woes. With Anthony Martial’s contract expiring and Rasmus Højlund still adapting to the Premier League, the Red Devils are keen to add a proven goalscorer. Reports suggest they have offered a €55 million package, including performance-based bonuses.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, see Mateta as a cost-effective alternative to younger, pricier targets like Erling Haaland. With Karim Benzema’s successor still not cemented, Los Blancos are prepared to leverage their financial muscle, offering a €60 million deal with a lucrative five-year contract. Sources close to the player claim Madrid’s Champions League pedigree and Carlo Ancelotti’s project are “highly appealing” to Mateta.
While Palace are reluctant to lose their talisman, the financial windfall could fund a squad overhaul. The club has already begun scouting replacements, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Feyenoord’s Santiago Giménez. Chairman Steve Parish has reportedly urged Glasner to “explore all options,” including promoting academy star Franculino Dju, who has impressed for the U21s.
Fans, however, are divided. “Mateta’s been our savior—losing him would be a blow,” said lifelong supporter Mark Thompson. “But if we reinvest wisely, maybe it’s a step forward.”
Mateta’s agent, Yvan Le Mée, confirmed negotiations are ongoing but stressed no decision will be made until the season concludes. “Jean-Philippe is focused on finishing strong with Palace. We’ll assess all proposals in June,” he told *L’Équipe*.
For now, Palace remain hopeful of convincing Mateta to stay, possibly offering an improved contract. Yet, with the allure of Champions League football and historic clubs circling, Selhurst Park braces for a pivotal summer.Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential departure marks a critical juncture for Crystal Palace. While his exit would leave a void, the club’s ability to reinvest and evolve could define their trajectory. As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Mateta’s next move will ripple across Europe’s transfer landscape.
