Despite losing Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze recently—and with Marc Guehi likely to follow—Oliver Glasner has kept Crystal Palace flying high. The Eagles sit ninth in the Premier League table but are only five points behind second-placed Manchester City.

Mateta: A Key Part of Palace’s Rise

Crystal Palace’s recent successes, including their first-ever FA Cup win and a Charity Shield victory, have made it an exciting time to be part of the club. Central to this rise has been French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The 28-year-old is a throwback centre-forward: physical, difficult to dispossess, and dominant in the air. While he may lack some finesse, he more than makes up for it with goals. Mateta already has seven goals in 13 league appearances this season and has also scored in Palace’s European campaign—a first in the club’s history.

Commitment on and off the Pitch

Since joining from Mainz five years ago, Mateta has scored 45 league goals, nine in domestic cups, and one in the Europa Conference League. Beyond statistics, his commitment is undeniable. Last season, despite a horrific injury against Millwall in the FA Cup that required 25 stitches, he returned within weeks using a specially adapted headband to continue playing.

Palace’s interest in extending his contract reflects his importance to the squad. However, retaining him may prove complicated.

World Cup Performance Could Influence His Future

Although discussions about a new contract have started positively, Mateta has yet to fully commit. Reports suggest he will assess his options after representing France at next year’s World Cup. Since breaking into Didier Deschamps’ squad, he has scored twice in three appearances, offering a different dimension to Les Bleus’ attack.

There are also rumors linking him with a move to Serie A, potentially to AC Milan. With Palace manager Oliver Glasner out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season, Mateta’s decision could be influenced by uncertainty over the club’s long-term direction.

Glasner Frustrated by Transfer Policy

Earlier this season, Glasner expressed frustration at the club’s summer transfer window strategy:

“We missed a couple of chances in July and August to make it easier for us… If you play European football for the first time, you should invest and not save. January is too late; we will have played more than 50% of our games by then.”

Coupled with the loss of key players, Palace seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back.

Mateta’s Next Move

At 28, Mateta is in his prime and may have one final major transfer opportunity. AC Milan, currently atop Serie A, offers a highly appealing option. Recent examples of Premier League players thriving in Italy—such as Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Hojlund—show the potential upside. Even Romelu Lukaku’s success there provides a model for Mateta.

Palace have a history of parting on good terms with departing stars, as seen with Olise and Eze, whose careers continued to flourish elsewhere. For Mateta, this could be a rare chance to make a significant career leap. The club may match any offers from abroad to gauge his loyalty, but ultimately, the decision rests with the player.

Regardless of the outcome, both Mateta and Palace can take pride in their shared successes and the role he played in one of the club’s most memorable eras.