The future of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains uncertain as discussions regarding a new contract have reportedly stalled.
The French international’s current contract runs until June 2027, and initial talks about a new deal earlier this year were said to be positive.
However, a resolution has yet to be reached, with insiders suggesting that Mateta is not in a hurry to secure his future with the club.
Mateta has proven himself to be one of the most formidable center forwards in the Premier League, and his impressive performances have earned him a spot on the French national team.
He has netted two goals in three appearances for Didier Deschamps’ squad since making his debut last October.
Sources have indicated that Mateta, now with a realistic chance of being included in Deschamps’ World Cup squad, prefers to evaluate his options after the tournament in North America.
With just a year remaining on his contract after the World Cup concludes next July, he would be in a favorable position if he performs well.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, sources maintain that discussions between Mateta and the club are ongoing, with hopes that he may still sign a new deal with Palace.
Several European clubs, including Serie A’s Atalanta, have expressed interest in Mateta in recent months.
This uncertainty comes at a time when Oliver Glasner’s dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer activities has resurfaced.
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Glasner, who guided Palace to their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup in May, is balancing the club’s domestic campaign with their inaugural venture into European football.
After Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, Glasner commented on Match of the Day, saying, “We missed a few opportunities in July and August during the transfer window that could have made things easier for us, but we will stick together and improve.”
In his post-match press conference, Glasner added, “When you participate in European football for the first time, you should invest rather than save. I believe January is too late to make additions; we will have already played over 50% of our games.
Everything was clear, and while I didn’t say much before, I think it’s time to address it now. We missed the chance for an even better season during the summer.”
