Palace Striker Mateta Eyes Juventus Move as Transfer Storm Swirls
17 January 2026
Transfer Update: Mateta’s Future in Focus
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta has told his club he wants to depart in search of a fresh professional chapter away from Selhurst Park.
According to trusted journalist Ben Jacobs, Mateta informed Palace officials last year of his desire to explore new options after the two sides failed to agree on a contract extension.
The 28-year-old striker is seeking meaningful opportunities to boost his case for the France squad ahead of the World Cup scheduled for this summer.
He also emphasized a strong preference for a move to Italy, with Juventus currently in negotiations, though it remains uncertain whether the Italian giants can meet Palace's financial expectations.
Juventus, Premier League Interest and World Cup Ambitions
The French forward has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, while Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia is said to have made an initial inquiry last year.
Palace have been told Mateta does not want to head to the Saudi league at this stage of his career.
Italian outlets in recent days have said Juventus are keen to strengthen their attack and view Mateta as a leading transfer option.
In a separate note, a match preview linked Cagliari with Juventus in Serie A, noting both clubs would be watching developments ahead of the January fixture.
With interest rising, Palace could be open to offers, while Juventus navigates price expectations and player demands as they chase a proven Premier League goalscorer.
Punchline 1: If Mateta signs for Juventus, the ball will finally know what it means to be truly wanted—seriously, it’ll be chased more than my notifications.
Punchline 2: And if that Saudi inquiry ever materializes, the transfer window will need a bigger shelf—some stories just refuse to stay on the same page.
