Crystal Palace’s January transfer window threatens to descend into a full-blown crisis, with Serie A giants Juventus reportedly launching an attempt to sign striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The development comes just as the club prepares to lose captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, sparking genuine fears of a mid-season exodus at Selhurst Park.
A report from The Mirror, citing transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, confirms that the Turin club have identified Mateta as a primary target. Having revived his career spectacularly under Oliver Glasner, the French striker is now viewed by the "Old Lady" as the ideal physical focal point to bolster their attack for the second half of the season.
The Glasner Effect: Blessing and Curse
The irony of Mateta’s situation is that Glasner is the architect of his own problem. Prior to the Austrian’s arrival, Mateta was a fringe figure often linked with a return to the Bundesliga. Under Glasner’s high-intensity system, he transformed into one of the Premier League’s most lethal finishers in 2024, earning a call-up to the French Olympic squad and attracting elite European interest.
However, this resurgence has placed him in the shop window. Juventus, who are looking to alleviate the goalscoring burden on Dusan Vlahovic, value Mateta’s ability to hold up play and dominate aerial duels—traits that are scarce in the current market. For Glasner, losing his top scorer in the same window as his captain would be a catastrophic blow to the project he is trying to build.
Contract Tensions Rising
The situation is complicated by Mateta’s contract status. His current deal expires in 2026, and talks over an extension have reportedly stalled. Mateta believes his current form warrants a salary that reflects his status as a top-tier Premier League striker, a demand Palace’s wage structure has struggled to accommodate.
If Palace refuse to sell now, they risk a replay of the Guehi saga next summer—a depreciating asset with one year left on his deal. However, selling him in January without a replacement lined up would be practically writing off the rest of the season, a risk chairman Steve Parish must weigh against the potential transfer fee.
Betting Market Reaction
The market has reacted nervously to the rumours. The Jean-Philippe Mateta next club odds have shortened for a move to Italy, suggesting that while a deal is difficult, it is far from impossible. Juventus are known for creative deal structures—often involving loans with obligations—which might appeal to Palace if it allows them to book guaranteed revenue for future windows.
For Palace fans, the fear is palpable. A window that began with hopes of pushing for Europe is rapidly turning into a battle to keep the lights on.