Crystal Palace Transfer Update: Guehi's Departure and Mateta's Future Uncertainty
Crystal Palace are facing a defensive crisis and uncertainty up front following Marc Guehi's departure and Jean-Philippe Mateta's potential exit. With the transfer window closing soon, the Eagles are scrambling to find replacements amidst reported challenges. Read on for the latest updates and insights on Palace's ongoing transfer saga.

Crystal Palace are reportedly prioritising signing a replacement for Marc Guehi in the final 11 days of the transfer window, but fans who are hoping to see a big-name defender arrive at Selhurst Park are set to be disappointed. The Eagles are short of options at centre-back following the England international’s move to Manchester City, while they are also reeling from wantaway striker Jean-Philippe Mateta's bombshell admission.In a new story from The i Paper, Palace are believed to be scouring the market to try and find a suitable replacement for Guehi ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday, 2 February.The report claims Oliver Glasner’s side are considering a number of short-term options to cover the loss of Guehi, who joined Pep Guardiola’s City last week in a deal reportedly worth over £20 million (€23m/27m).Palace chiefs are understood to prefer using the money earned from Guehi’s sale in the summer transfer window, therefore the club are leaning towards making a stop-gap addition this month.The south Londoners have made one new signing in January so far, with Wales international Brennan Johnson having arrived in a club-record £35m deal from Tottenham Hotspur.The iPaper also claim Palace are looking to strengthen up front before the January window closes, amid the uncertain future of star striker Mateta, who is believed to have submitted a formal transfer request.France forward Mateta, who is out of contract in the summer of 2027, is believed to have told Palace officials they lack ambition, according to a separate report in The Times, and that he wants to leave this month.The 28-year-old, who is reportedly wanted by Serie A giants Juventus, believes his current £55,000-a-week wages do not match his status as one of Palace’s best players, with the attacker having scored 48 goals in 149 appearances for the club.Highly-rated Angers striker Sidiki Cherif remains Palace’s top attacking target, report The i Paper, though discussions between the two clubs are not believed to be advanced.The 19-year-old Cherif is also believed to be attracting interest from Championship side Wrexham, with the club’s ambitious Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reportedly ready to launch a club-record £19m offer.Palace manager Glasner revealed last week that Mateta will be allowed to leave if the club receive a suitable offer for his services.“It’s the same [as Guehi],” the Austrian said of Mateta. “There will be a price that Crystal Palace [accept], with 18 months left on his contract. We’d do the deal, if JP wants. If nobody pays that price, then he will stay.”The news that Mateta is keen to follow Guehi out of the exit door comes after Glasner also announced he will leave Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season."A decision has already been taken, months ago,” the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager - who has been linked with Manchester United - said. “I had a meeting with Steve (Parish, Palace’s owner) in October, the international break. “We had a very long talk, and I told him: ‘I will not sign a new contract.’ We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months. “But now it’s important to have clarity, and we had a very busy schedule so that’s why we didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”Following the Premier League defeat against high-flying Sunderland last Saturday, Glasner said he and the Palace squad feel they have been "abandoned" by the board this season.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWhile speculation continues to swirl regarding Palace’s transfer plans, the club are looking to put an end to their 10-game winless run in all competitions when they entertain Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.Following their worrying run of form, Glasner’s men have slipped to 13th in the league table, 11 points above 18th-placed West Ham United.Palace - who won their first major honour with victory in last season’s FA Cup final - suffered one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history when they lost to sixth-tier Macclesfield 2-1 on 10 January.
Crystal Palace's Defensive Conundrum
Following Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City, Crystal Palace find themselves in a tough spot defensively. The Eagles are actively searching for a replacement, but it seems unlikely that a marquee signing will arrive at Selhurst Park. Instead, the club is exploring short-term options to address the gap left by Guehi's departure.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's Potential Departure
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Crystal Palace, citing a lack of ambition at the club. With Mateta allegedly seeking a transfer away, Palace are facing the prospect of losing another key player. The French forward's uncertain future adds to the turbulence surrounding the club during the transfer window.
Transfer Strategy and Targets
Crystal Palace's transfer strategy appears to involve prioritizing short-term additions to bolster the squad, utilizing the funds from Guehi's sale for future investments. While the club has made some signings, including Wales international Brennan Johnson, the focus remains on reinforcing the defense and potentially adding firepower up front. Highly-rated young striker Sidiki Cherif is said to be on Palace's radar, although negotiations are not yet advanced.
Managerial and Team Dynamics
Manager Oliver Glasner's impending departure at the end of the season, coupled with Jean-Philippe Mateta's desire to leave, suggests a period of transition for Crystal Palace. Glasner's remarks about feeling 'abandoned' by the board highlight potential strains within the club. As Palace aim to end their winless run, maintaining squad morale and stability amidst off-field uncertainties will be crucial for their Premier League campaign.
Upcoming Challenges
With the pressure mounting on Crystal Palace, especially after the recent FA Cup upset, the team faces a crucial period ahead. As they prepare to face Chelsea in the Premier League, securing positive results and addressing the ongoing transfer issues will be paramount for Palace's ambitions this season.
















