Manchester United are facing fresh calls to launch a January move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Frenchman's contract negotiations at Selhurst Park reportedly hitting a significant roadblock.
Why Mateta Makes Sense for United
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has publicly championed the transfer, insisting that the proven Premier League goalscorer is the ideal profile for the Red Devils. Speaking to Oddspedia, Sagna highlighted a key gap in United's squad, stating they lack a tall, physical number nine who can hold up the ball and attack crosses effectively.
This advice comes less than 24 hours after news broke that talks between Crystal Palace and Mateta over a new contract have reached an impasse. According to reports, the club will need to significantly improve their financial offer if they hope to convince their talisman to stay, with the player himself said to be dreaming of a move to an elite club.
A Summer Target Re-emerges
United's interest in the 27-year-old is not new. The club was heavily linked with Mateta during the summer transfer window before ultimately securing the signature of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for a substantial fee.
Despite a major £200 million overhaul of their attack that also brought in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, the rumours linking Old Trafford with another striker have persisted. While new manager Ruben Amorim and the club hierarchy must decide if they need another out-and-out number nine to compete with Sesko, the speculation surrounding Mateta refuses to fade.
Sagna believes that for the player, this move represents a crucial career opportunity. "It will be difficult for Palace to keep hold of him, and it's the right moment for him to move if he wants the test of playing for one of the biggest teams in the Premier League," he said. "He's not a young player anymore and it might be one of the last moves of his career, so he will probably push for it if the opportunity arises."
Mateta's current contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire in 2027, giving the London club some leverage but also creating a potential pressure to sell if he does not sign an extension.
