Fallout: AC Milan's Pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace Shattered in Final Transfer Deadline Drama
AC Milan's bid to secure Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace has imploded in the eleventh hour, with the Serie A outfit withdrawing from the deal due to a knee issue discovered during medical checks. This setback, despite Mateta's pivotal role at Palace, poses questions over his immediate future and potential impact on the transfer market.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's proposed move to AC Milan from Crystal Palace has collapsed, according to reports. The Eagles striker had first been in talks with Nottingham Forest but was closing in on a move to Italy; at the last minute, however, the Serie A side have pulled the plug. Milan have opted to walk away after medical checks revealed a knee problem.Mateta was close to moving to Milan, with the Serie A club reaching a preliminary agreement with Palace over the weekend. That came as something of a hijack, as Nottingham Forest had also been attempting to sign the France international. Now, though, the deal has fallen through, per Sky, with Milan opting against continuing after running medical checks on the striker. This is despite the fact that Palace manager Oliver Glasner opted against selecting Mateta at the weekend, insisting he was not in the right frame of mind. He said: "It is nothing to do right now with the transfers. He is not in the [right] place. To play makes no sense. “We have to protect the team and I have to protect him. That is why he will not travel with us to Nottingham.”He added: "Again, there is so much noise, so much speculation, so many things going on. We need every single player at their best and JP [Mateta] isn't at his best right now with all the noise that happens."It can be football noise, but if someone has private issues where they can't focus on football, then it makes no sense to play. He can't help the team and perform at his top level. We decided it is better not to play him."Mateta has been playing regularly for Palace this season and has made 23 Premier League appearances, scoring eight goals. He played 85 minutes against Chelsea in the fixture prior to the most recent weekend, but Sacha Tavolieri reports that Mateta's medical showed up an issue that will require surgery to fix, and could lead to the striker being out for as many as four months.Palace have also been linked with Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolves, and have bid for the striker, but it is unclear if his future will be affected by the collapse of Mateta's move. Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Mateta has revealed his dream of playing in the World Cup, which may well see him put off surgery until after the tournament. He told Palace's website: “I'm very proud of myself. I'm very happy, and I think I deserve it, because I train very hard, with the gaffer [Oliver Glasner] as well and all the team. It's a dream come true, and I hope I will get called up again.“It's my dream too, to go to the World Cup. I will do everything to go there. But first, you have to do a good job with Crystal Palace – every day, every game.“I'm a very ambitious guy, and when I think about something, I try to do everything to make it come true.”Mateta has also credited Oliver Glasner with his transformation, adding: “I think it's on him. He used to train in Germany, and when he came in, [in terms of] how we need to play I think I understood, because I'm from the German league too.“I think it's because I play many games in the role. I think that's why people say I'm improving my hold-up play – because I know it very well now.“I train hard every day, and I want to play every game and show him I'm ready for him, for the team, for the staff. I show them that I want to play every game.“I think it's not only me personally, but we have a fantastic team that believes in everyone. We're just training very hard and believing in ourselves, and on the pitch we’ve had the results.“I hope we will keep thinking the same and keep working hard.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMilan play Bologna on Tuesday, while Palace play Brighton on Sunday in one of the most confusing derbies in English football.
AC Milan Abandon Mateta Pursuit
Despite nearing completion of a move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan, Jean-Philippe Mateta's transfer collapsed as Milan decided to forego the deal after assessments unveiled a knee problem requiring surgery. This unforeseen development marks a sudden and disappointing end to the transfer saga.
Palace's Managerial Dilemma
Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, opted to omit Mateta from recent fixtures, citing the player's mental state amidst transfer speculations. Glasner's decision to prioritize player well-being over immediate on-field contributions reinforces the club's commitment to holistic player management.
Mateta's World Cup Aspirations
Mateta, expressing his ambition to feature in the World Cup, faces a pivotal decision regarding surgery delay to potentially fulfill his international aspirations. Balancing individual aspirations with club commitments presents a delicate situation for the talented striker.
Glasner's Impact on Mateta's Development
Mateta acknowledges Glasner's influence on his game, emphasizing the coach's methods and tactical insights from their shared experiences in the German league. Glasner's role in Mateta's growth underscores the importance of coaching dynamics in player development.
Future Ramifications and Transfer Market Ripples
The collapse of Mateta's move to Milan raises uncertainties over Palace's striker acquisitions, notably linked with Jorgen Strand Larsen. The ripple effect of this failed transfer could reshape the club's transfer strategy and player recruitment, reflecting the intricate nature of modern football dynamics.
Upcoming Fixtures and Team Dynamics
AC Milan and Crystal Palace gear up for critical matches following the transfer turmoil, with Milan facing Bologna and Palace squaring off against Brighton in a notable derby clash. The aftermath of the disrupted deal adds an intriguing subplot to both clubs' ongoing campaigns.








