Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly paused negotiations with Aston Villa and Juventus as he holds out for a potential deadline-day switch to Manchester United. According to a new report from Football365 (citing David Ornstein), the French striker has emerged as a serious option for the Red Devils as INEOS pivots its recruitment strategy to salvage the season.
The INEOS Pivot: Experience Over Potential
Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, United’s transfer policy has strictly prioritised youth—evidenced by the £73m summer arrival of Benjamin Sesko. However, with the club in a precarious position following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, interim boss Michael Carrick has reportedly requested "guaranteed Premier League output" to stabilise the campaign.
Ornstein reveals that United’s hierarchy is now willing to sanction a move for a ready-made profile like Mateta. Unlike the fluid attacking options of Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, Mateta offers the physical, back-to-goal focal point that the squad currently lacks. His tally of 48 goals in his last 149 appearances for Palace—combined with his dominance in the air—aligns with the "Plan B" profile Carrick is seeking to unlock stubborn defences.
Mateta’s Gamble Amid Palace Meltdown
The situation at Selhurst Park has descended into open conflict. Following the confirmed sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and manager Oliver Glasner’s announcement that he will leave in the summer, Mateta has accused the club of "broken promises" regarding ambition. While Aston Villa believed they had struck an agreement on personal terms earlier this week, Mateta’s camp is now stalling, aware that Old Trafford remains a realistic destination.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is holding firm on a £35m valuation despite the striker’s contract expiring in 2027. For United, the fee is negligible in the context of their revenue, but the shift in strategy from signing "future stars" to a 28-year-old nearing his peak represents a significant admission of immediate need over long-term planning.
Market Reaction
The Jean-Philippe Mateta next club odds have been volatile. Aston Villa remain the bookmakers' favourites due to the advanced nature of their talks, but United’s price has shortened dramatically in the last 12 hours. With Juventus seeing a loan-to-buy bid rejected, the race is now effectively a shootout between Unai Emery’s Champions League chasers and the allure of leading the line at the Theatre of Dreams.