Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly set to make a rare start in tonight’s Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina. This opportunity comes more than three months after his anticipated January transfer to AC Milan collapsed.
Mateta’s Milan Move: What Went Wrong?
Several prominent sports news sources, including Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, indicate that Mateta will spearhead the attack for Palace as they host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park for their Conference League fixture this Thursday evening.
His upcoming start will mark his first in any competition since January 25th, when Palace suffered a 3-1 Premier League loss to Chelsea.
Mateta was close to securing a move to AC Milan during the final stages of the January transfer window. An agreement had reportedly been reached between the clubs for a transfer fee exceeding €30 million, prompting Palace to line up Jorgen Strand Larsen as his replacement.
However, the transfer ultimately faltered due to concerns regarding an undisclosed knee problem. Italian media reports indicated that three medical specialists advised Milan against the acquisition because of this injury. Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner subsequently commented that the deal’s collapse was “not a big surprise.”
Initially, there were fears in the UK that Mateta might require surgery to address the knee damage. Glasner later disclosed an alternative rehabilitation pathway for Mateta, suggesting it could better preserve his prospects of representing France at the 2026 World Cup.
Glasner elaborated in February, stating, “We have two options: either manage the knee as we have been, potentially postponing surgery until after the World Cup, which is a major consideration for JP given his dream of playing for France. Or, the alternative is for him to undergo surgery.”
Ultimately, Mateta chose to forgo surgery, paving the way for his return to competitive play three months after his proposed move to Milan fell through. His anticipated start in tonight’s Conference League match against Fiorentina will be his first since that period.