Jean-Philippe Mateta's dream Deadline Day move to AC Milan has collapsed after irregularities in his medical revealed a lingering knee injury. The £30 million transfer fell through on Monday after Milan conducted further assessments in Paris, which confirmed the striker was still carrying the issue.
Standard Sport reported in December that Mateta had been playing through pain, with both player and club hoping to avoid surgery. In contrast, Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz underwent a similar procedure and has only recently returned to match fitness. Milan ultimately pulled the plug, deeming the investment too risky for a 28-year-old with fitness concerns.
Amid the uncertainty, Palace completed a club-record £48 million deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves as Mateta's replacement. Mateta now faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park, with surgery potentially back on the table and his hopes of making France's World Cup squad in jeopardy.
Having reduced their asking price to facilitate a January exit, Palace have lost leverage in negotiations as Mateta enters the final year of his contract. The striker must now regain fitness, reintegrate with the squad, and prove his commitment to team-mates if he is to salvage his season.
