Manchester United Eye Crystal Palace Star Jean-Philippe Mateta, But No Deal Finalized Yet
There has been significant excitement around Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker, with recent reports suggesting that the club is targeting Crystal Palace’s in-form forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
However, despite the growing buzz on social media and several media outlets hinting at a done deal, there is no official confirmation that United have activated a £100 million release clause or completed the signing of the French striker.
According to French outlet L’Équipe, Manchester United are very much “in the running” to sign Mateta during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The club is looking to strengthen its attacking options and views the Crystal Palace striker as a potential candidate.
This interest comes after Mateta’s impressive performances this past Premier League season, where he registered 14 goals and two assists across 33 appearances.
His combination of strength, aerial ability, and goal-scoring instincts have made him a standout for the Eagles, particularly in the second half of the campaign.
While initial rumors claimed that Manchester United had triggered a £100 million release clause and scheduled an unveiling, more grounded reports from outlets like The Peoples Person and TEAMtalk suggest otherwise.
In reality, Crystal Palace have set Mateta’s valuation at around £40–50 million.
This makes the claims of a £100 million release clause misleading at best, as there’s no substantial evidence supporting such a figure.
Moreover, United are still exploring various striker options as they assess how to best rebuild their attacking line for the 2025/26 season.
Other names that have been linked with the club include Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, both of whom are considered elite options.
The Red Devils are reportedly taking a careful approach, conducting scouting missions and holding internal discussions before committing to any final decision.
While Mateta remains a player of interest due to his current form and physical attributes, the transfer is far from completed.
Talks are ongoing, and fans will have to wait for an official statement from the club before celebrating any confirmed signing.
Until then, the speculation surrounding the £100 million figure and reports of a completed medical should be treated with caution.
In summary, Manchester United’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta is genuine, but the situation is still evolving.
No agreement has been finalized, and despite growing excitement among fans, the club is yet to make any formal announcement regarding the striker’s future.