Leeds United have made Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta their priority target for the January transfer window, but they'll need to break their transfer record to sign him, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The Yorkshire club enjoyed an exciting summer transfer window for supporters, bringing in a host of new additions ahead of their first season back in the Premier League. After gaining promotion from the Championship in the 2024/2025 campaign, Leeds acted fast to bring in key additions, and they've enjoyed a reasonable start to the new term.
The likes of Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jaka Bijol, and Sean Longstaff were among those to sign on the dotted line at Elland Road, but the January window coming in a few months will be an opportunity for them to strengthen once again. It's unclear what positions they'll be looking to reinforce just yet, but it does appear that a new striker is on their shortlist.
Leeds Eyeing Crystal Palace Forward Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrating for Crystal Palace
According to a report from Caught Offside, Leeds have made Mateta their 'priority' transfer target for the January window. Palace are demanding in the region of £40m to allow him to depart, and negotiations over a new deal at Selhurst Park have stalled, with his current contract expiring in 2027.
The report claims that Leeds are 'determined' to strengthen their strike force as part of their long-term project, with Mateta seen as the ideal candidate to lead the line. Whether they could convince Mateta to make the move to Leeds remains to be seen, especially with other Premier League clubs showing an interest.
Bringing in Mateta during the January transfer window would certainly give Leeds a huge boost heading into the second half of the campaign. It would be a statement addition from the Yorkshire club, but they'll have to weigh up whether it's worth breaking their transfer record, with their current highest fee paid being less than the £40m Palace are demanding for Mateta.
Palace will likely want to keep Mateta at Selhurst Park, especially in the January transfer window, but they will have to start making progress over a new deal. If they are unable to reach an agreement, then they will have to consider offloading him to avoid him leaving on a free transfer in 2026.
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