Why Jean-Philippe Mateta was upset with Crystal Palace as new contract update emerges

 

We Are Palace can now share an exclusive update on contract talks between Crystal Palace and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

 

The Frenchman was set to see his contract expire in June 2026 before Crystal Palace triggered a clause to extend these terms by a further 12 months, but there remains a desire to tie the striker down to a longer deal.

 

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for We Are Palace – has now provided an exclusive update on the situation involving Jean-Philippe Mateta at Selhurst Park.

 

Exclusive: Jean-Philippe Mateta ready to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace

We understand the Crystal Palace No.14 is ready to put pen to paper on a new deal in SE25 – but talks are ongoing.

 

 

We Are Palace have been told Mateta was left somewhat disappointed that a new contract was not finalised during the summer, but Crystal Palace expect the arrangement to be sealed by January.

 

The aforementioned Bailey said: “I am told that Palace are continuing talks. The intention is for him to have signed by January, but they also thought that was true in the summer. The player has been ready to commit for a number of months now.”

 

 

Mateta – who Naouirou Ahamada compares to Ronaldo – has been a sensation ever since Oliver Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in February 2024, scoring 33 goals in 65 games under the Austrian.

 

The man born in Sevran only managed to score eight goals in 39 appearances under Hodgson, and eight in 53 outings under Patrick Vieira – who Nuno Espirito Santo was almost hired ahead of in 2021.

 

Tottenham approach means Steve Parish must wrap new contract up soon

As Tottenham searched for a new striker on transfer deadline day, we understand an enquiry was made regarding Mateta.

 

Spurs eventually signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG for the 2025/26 campaign, but will presumably look towards the striker market once again when that temporary move expires.

 

It proved Mateta is on the radar of clubs in the UEFA Champions League, so it is imperative for Crystal Palace to get the 28-year-old signed up as soon as possible.