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Official: Man United target tells club he wants to leave before winter transfer deadline

Manchester United-linked forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed Crystal Palace he would like to leave the club before the February 2 deadline.

It rounds off an absolutely dismal week for the Selhurst Park faithful, during which they’ve watched their captain, Marc Guehi, make the move to Manchester City and had Oliver Glasner confirm he would not be staying beyond his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Now, their top goalscorer for the campaign is actively pushing to depart in the next fortnight – and he isn’t short of interest.

BREAKING: Jean-Philippe Mateta has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club this month, Sky Sports News understands 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OdkIkvARjs

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 21, 2026

Jean-Philippe Mateta: The state of play

Jean-Philippe Mateta in action for Palace against Newcastle.

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The French forward has held talks with Juventus in recent days over a potential Serie A switch, but at the start of the week, was offered the opportunity to continue plying his trade in the English top flight.

Appearances Goals Assists

152 46 9

*Mateta’s full league record since joining Palace in January 2021

Aston Villa established their desire to sign Mateta following Donyell Malen’s loan to AS Roma, with Palace, in turn, sizing up a move for Evann Guessand.

United have been among Mateta’s admirers on numerous occasions, more recently in the summer when INEOS were on the hunt for a prolific frontman.

United overlooked Mateta before the term began

Jean-Philippe Mateta in action for Crystal Palace.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Ultimately, they landed on a younger option than the 28-year-old in the form of Benjamin Sesko, 22, who eventually signed in a £73 million deal from RB Leipzig.

The striker has since returned four Premier League goals in 17 appearances, although he is vying with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for a starting spot leading the line.

For United’s Manchester derby triumph last Saturday, which marked Michael Carrick’s first game in charge, Sesko was an unused substitute – despite scoring three goals in his last two outings across all competitions.