Renewing the contract of Jean-Philippe Mateta should be of the utmost priority for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have developed into a sensational side under Oliver Glasner's management. Since arriving in early 2024, the Austrian has guided Palace to lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield, the former being their first-ever piece of major silverware won as a club.
Glasner has dealt with some key losses in his tenure at Selhurst Park, losing Michael Olise in the summer of 2024 before losing Eberechi Eze in the following summer transfer window. Though he remained at the club beyond the latest deadline day, it appears that Marc Guehi is set to leave Palace at the expiration of his contract, which now has under a year left on it.
Guehi will be a big loss for Palace, their club captain who has been integral in their recent successes. It appears, however, that Guehi is certain with his decision and as such, Palace should focus all of their attention on retaining another of their stars.
Palace Need to Keep Mateta at the Club
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It can be easy to forget how lacklustre Mateta's start to life at Palace was. The forward joined the club, initially on loan, in 2021, struggling for consistency until Glasner's arrival. The Austrian's influence has seen Mateta transform into one of the best strikers in the Premier League and in the October international break, Mateta scored his first goal for France in his second-ever game for the country.
Dubbed an "incredible" striker, Mateta is a crucial part of Glasner's system, a lethal finisher who has the physical necessities to operate in his high-intensity manner of playing. An option was activated in his contract at the end of 2024, extending his deal to 2027. 18 months in football, however, is not much time at all, and clubs will circle Mateta as his contract length continues to get shorter.
Retaining Mateta's services, particularly with departures including Eze, Olise and potentially Guehi and Adam Wharton, who many clubs are interested in, is critical for Palace, though they have proven that Mateta can play in Europe and for his country whilst playing for the club, which could be a huge factor in convincing him to stay.