Manchester United Targets Jean-Philippe Mateta Amid Striker Search

Manchester United is on the lookout for a new striker after the recent transfer of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, eliminating the Swedish forward from their list of potential signings. With the Premier League season set to kick off in just three weeks, United’s urgency to secure a proven goalscorer has intensified. The club has already invested over £120 million in new additions, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but still seeks a key striker to complement their squad.

United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, previously managed Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon, leading many to speculate that a reunion at Old Trafford was imminent. Yet, the club failed to submit an offer for Gyokeres, leaving them in a precarious position as they continue their search for a dynamic forward. With time running out, the pressure mounts for United to identify a suitable candidate who can deliver results on the pitch.

As the club considers its options, one name that stands out is Jean-Philippe Mateta, currently with Crystal Palace. The French striker had a standout season in 2024/25, netting 17 goals across all competitions and playing a crucial role in helping Palace secure the FA Cup. Mateta’s impressive tally includes 14 goals in the Premier League, two of which were scored against United at Old Trafford.

Having joined Palace from German club Mainz in a loan deal four and a half years ago, Mateta has developed into one of the league’s most formidable forwards. After a period of adjustment, he truly found his form in the 2023/24 season, where he scored 19 goals. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 36 goals for Palace, with 30 of those in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

Mateta’s strength lies not only in his goal-scoring ability but also in his overall skill set, which makes him a difficult challenge for defenders. Following the club’s decision to trigger a 12-month extension in his contract last December, Mateta is now under contract until June 2027. Despite this extension, Crystal Palace may find themselves in a difficult position if they do not secure a long-term deal for their leading striker.

The likelihood of a sale this summer could increase if Palace does not renew Mateta’s contract within the next year. Should they fail to do so, potential suitors could acquire him at a reduced price next summer. United’s recent signings suggest they still possess considerable appeal in the transfer market, which could play a role in their pursuit of Mateta.

Additionally, Palace’s shift to the Europa Conference League from the more prestigious Europa League may influence Mateta’s decision-making process. This change could make it less attractive for him to remain at Palace, especially if he seeks to compete at the highest levels of European football.

While any potential deal for Mateta may come at a significant cost, United’s pressing need for a reliable striker could compel them to negotiate with Crystal Palace. As the summer transfer window progresses, Manchester United must act decisively if they hope to secure the services of Mateta and add another potent weapon to their attacking arsenal ahead of the upcoming season.