In a surprising move, Crystal Palace owner John Textor has reportedly set his sights on a major transfer.
He aims to send star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to his other club, Lyon, next summer. This potential deal has already stirred up plenty of chatter among fans and pundits alike.
Mateta shone brightly in his recent Premier League outing at Old Trafford. He scored a brace in a 2-0 win over Manchester United, a performance that sparked excitement among Palace supporters. Consequently, his two goals helped secure three vital points and boosted the team’s momentum.
Over the past three seasons at Selhurst Park, Mateta has firmly established himself as a regular starter. In the current campaign, he has registered 10 goals and delivered one assist. Moreover, his contributions have positioned him as Crystal Palace’s top goalscorer, underlining his importance to the side.
However, reports from The Sun suggest that Textor now plans to sell the 27-year-old Frenchman. The owner reportedly favors transferring Mateta to Lyon, a club in which he holds a majority stake since 2022. In addition, this decision comes as Palace look to reshape their squad amid ongoing injury concerns.
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Furthermore, Mateta appears eager to move to a top club next summer. His impressive form has caught the eye of several major European clubs. Notably, Spanish outlet Fichales revealed that Barcelona has emerged as one potential suitor for the forward.
Additionally, Barcelona’s interest intensifies as they seek to reinforce their attacking line. This pursuit gains even more significance given the advancing age of Poland international Robert Lewandowski. As a result, Mateta has quickly become a hot commodity in the transfer market.
On the international stage, Mateta’s performances have earned him a call-up to the France squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He featured in six games and scored five goals for the national team. In particular, his late penalty in the 3-5 final loss against Spain highlighted his striking ability.
Ultimately, this potential move adds another twist to Crystal Palace’s summer transfer saga. John Textor’s decision reflects his ambition to streamline his club portfolio and maximize value. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Mateta’s next career move and its impact on Palace’s future.
