Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is confronting a mounting list of problems at Selhurst Park, with a new contract headache emerging for the Austrian boss.
Mateta's Future in Doubt
The Eagles now risk losing key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after talks over a new deal hit a significant roadblock. According to reports from BBC Sport, discussions that began positively have yet to reach a successful conclusion.
Mateta, who initially joined Palace on loan from Mainz in 2021 before making the move permanent 18 months later, has been a crucial figure. The French international has netted 45 league goals for the club, form which earned him a senior debut for his country.
His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, having last been extended in December 2024. However, the lack of progress places Palace in a difficult position. If the situation remains unresolved by the summer, the club's hierarchy will be forced to decide whether to sell the asset or risk him leaving for free later.
Italian side Atalanta are said to be monitoring the situation, with the player having previously attracted glances from Manchester United.
Glasner's Transfer Frustration
This contract stalemate compounds the public frustrations already voiced by Glasner regarding the club's activity in the transfer market. Following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss did not hold back in his assessment.
He pointed directly to the failure to strengthen the squad ahead of Palace's maiden European campaign in the Europa Conference League as a critical error. "We missed the chance to strengthen the depth of the squad in the summer and we knew the schedule," Glasner stated.
He highlighted the known absence of winger Ismaila Sarr for the Africa Cup of Nations as an example of foreseen issues that were not addressed. Palace have managed just one victory in matches immediately following a European fixture this season.
"So let's invest instead of saving. We saved and that's what we're facing," Glasner added, expressing a clear desire for more backing from the board. He has now pinned his hopes on the January window to correct the summer's failings, though noted that by then, a significant portion of the season will have passed.
Broader Concerns at Selhurst Park
The situation with Mateta echoes a recent costly episode involving club captain Marc Guehi. Palace allowed Guehi's contract to run down, and a proposed summer move to Liverpool collapsed at the last minute. The defender is now expected to leave for free next summer rather than generating a fee in January.
On the pitch, the challenges are immediate. Glasner's side faces a congested December schedule with five Premier League matches, a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, and two remaining Europa Conference League group stage fixtures against Shelbourne and KuPS.
With the team also on course for an extra play-off round in Europe after collecting six points from their first four group games, the need for a deep and settled squad has never been more apparent.
