Italian media reports suggest that Jean-Philippe Mateta is once again a name of interest for Juventus, following his crucial winning goal in the recent Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.
Could Juventus Reignite Interest in Mateta This Summer?
Mateta was a transfer target for several Serie A clubs during the January transfer window, with Juventus among those expressing interest. AC Milan had reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for the striker, but the deal ultimately fell through due to medical concerns.
During his medical examination with Milan in January, an issue with Mateta’s knee was identified, requiring either surgery or a substantial rehabilitation period. The French forward opted against surgery, prioritizing his chances of securing a place in Didier Deschamps’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a goal he has since achieved, being named in the 26-man roster.
Despite the previous knee concern, Mateta proved his fitness by participating in Crystal Palace’s final nine Premier League matches, scoring four goals. He further demonstrated his form by netting the decisive goal in their historic 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final, securing the club’s first-ever European title.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the prospect of signing the 28-year-old is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Juventus. The Turin club faces uncertainty regarding Dusan Vlahovic’s future but acknowledges the need to reinforce their centre-forward position regardless of the outcome.
While Randal Kolo Muani, who was on loan in 2025, remains a potential option, Mateta is now being considered a strong alternative to his compatriot, who did not make the cut for the French national team. Mateta is also likely to depart Crystal Palace this summer, especially given that his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season and he had actively sought a move away from Selhurst Park in January.
Milan had previously agreed to a fee of €35 million for Mateta. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Crystal Palace is unlikely to demand a higher fee this summer, particularly with less than a year remaining on his contract.
English Translation:
Reports in Italy claim that Jean-Philippe Mateta is becoming a popular name in Juventus circles again following his winning goal in Wednesday night’s Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.
Could Juventus move for Mateta again this summer?
Mateta had been linked with moves to several Serie A sides during the January transfer window. Juventus were among those interested, although it was Milan who had come to an agreement with Crystal Palace, only for the deal to collapse due to medical concerns.
During Mateta’s medical tests with Milan in January, it was revealed that there was an issue with the striker’s knee, which would either require surgery or a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
The Frenchman decided against going under the knife, aware that this might have jeopardised his chances of making Didier Deschamps’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. He has since been included in the 26-man roster.
Mateta was fit enough to feature in all of Crystal Palace’s last nine matches of the Premier League season, scoring four goals in the process, and also netted the winner as the South London outfit won their first ever European title with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Wednesday’s Conference League final.
Now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the idea of signing the 28-year-old is becoming an increasingly viable option again in Bianconeri circles.
Juventus are still uncertain as to whether Dusan Vlahovic will stay or leave, but either way, Juventus are aware of the fact that they need to strengthen at centre-forward.
2025 loanee Randal Kolo Muani remains an option for Juventus, but Mateta is now being considered as a strong alternative to his compatriot, who did not make the cut in the France national team squad.
Mateta, meanwhile, is still likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer given that his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season and that he had strongly sought a move away from Selhurst Park in January.
Milan had agreed a fee of €35m for Mateta’s services in January, and La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that it is unfeasible that Palace can demand any more for the Frenchman heading into the summer transfer window, when he will have less than a year remaining on his contract.
