Crystal Palace Continues to Soar Despite Key Player Losses

Although Crystal Palace has recently seen the departure of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, and with Marc Guehi likely to follow suit, manager Oliver Glasner keeps the team performing at a high level.

The Premier League standings place them in ninth position, trailing only five points behind Manchester City, who currently sits in second.

Mateta: A Triumph for the Eagles

Recently clinching their first FA Cup and accompanying Charity Shield victory, it’s a promising time for the South London club. A key figure in these achievements has been the powerful forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The 28-year-old French striker embodies a classic playing style. While he may not possess finesse, he compensates with his physicality, aerial prowess, and, more importantly, his goal-scoring ability. He has netted seven goals in 13 league appearances this season, adding to his tally in one of Palace’s European matches, marking another milestone for the club.

Dedication in Question

Since his transfer from Mainz five years ago, Mateta has accumulated 45 league goals, along with nine in domestic cups and one in the Europa Conference League. Although some may view these figures as modest, his overall contributions are essential, particularly his resilience in the face of adversity.

Mateta’s commitment is evident, especially following a gruesome injury sustained during last season’s FA Cup run against Millwall. Despite requiring 25 stitches, he returned to action within weeks, utilizing a specially adapted water polo-style headband.

The club’s interest in extending his contract speaks volumes about his importance, although the negotiations may not proceed as smoothly as they hope.

World Cup Prospects to Influence Mateta’s Future

While preliminary contract discussions have been positive, Mateta remains undecided about his future, opting to evaluate his performance with the French national team at the upcoming World Cup before making any decisions. He has recently scored two goals in three matches, showcasing his unique contribution to Didier Deschamps’ squad.

Rumors also suggest that Mateta is eyeing a potential move to Serie A, with AC Milan emerging as a possible destination. Additionally, Glasner’s contract, which expires after the 2025/26 season, may also play a role in Mateta’s considerations.

Glasner’s Discontent with Transfer Policy

Despite not overtly expressing a desire to leave, Glasner’s earlier comments regarding the transfer window may have raised eyebrows among Palace’s executives. He stated, “We missed a couple of opportunities in July and August to bolster our squad. If you’re participating in European football for the first time, you need to invest and not be conservative. Waiting until January is too late, as we’d have played more than half of our games by then.”

The combination of losing key players and perceived missteps in transfer strategy makes it seem like the club is making progress but facing setbacks simultaneously.

Implications for Mateta’s Loyalty

At 28, Mateta is at a pivotal point in his career and may have only one substantial transfer ahead of him. With AC Milan currently leading Serie A and having suffered just one league loss all season, the allure of such an opportunity is significant.

He can observe how players such as Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rasmus Hojlund have thrived after moving to Italy, despite different circumstances surrounding De Bruyne’s injury. Moreover, Mateta can take cues from the success of Romelu Lukaku in a similar situation.

Ultimately, the way Palace conducts business, ensuring that high-profile players leave with the club’s support, contrasts with other clubs. As shown with Olise and Eze, the stars shine brightly, even as they transition to more competitive environments.

Mateta may begin to realize that opportunities like this can be fleeting, compelling him to act if the right offer arrives. The management could very well match any rival offers to gauge Mateta’s commitments, ensuring mutual satisfaction in what has been a fruitful partnership thus far.