Manchester United Target Crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in £25m Summer Move

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United have expressed interest in signing Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, as manager Michael Carrick looks to reinforce his attacking options ahead of another demanding domestic and European campaign.

According to sports journalist Rudy Galetti, the 20-time English champions have registered their interest in the 29-year-old Frenchman. Crystal Palace are reportedly open to sanctioning a transfer and have placed a £25m valuation on the 6ft 3in striker, a figure widely considered a bargain in the current transfer market. Talks between the clubs are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

However, Manchester United are not alone in tracking the clinical forward. La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Serie A powerhouse Juventus are also monitoring the situation and could rival United for his signature.

Carrick’s Search for Attacking Depth

United’s pursuit of Mateta comes during a period of transition in their forward line. While the club invested heavily in its attack last summer—bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko—further adjustments are required. That recruitment drive paid off handsomely, with the trio playing a massive role in securing UEFA Champions League qualification since the 2023-24 campaign.

While Benjamin Sesko impressed during his debut campaign, netting 11 goals, the likely departure of Joshua Zirkzee has forced United back into the transfer market. To compete effectively across multiple fronts, Carrick requires a robust, Premier League-proven alternative who can offer a different tactical dimension. At 6ft 3in, Mateta provides a physical focal point that would complement United’s dynamic wingers.

From Mainz to Selhurst Park Hero

Mateta’s journey to becoming one of the Premier League’s most clinical attackers began with an initial loan move to South London from Bundesliga side Mainz 05. After making a strong impression during his first six months, Crystal Palace secured his services on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2022.

Since then, the French forward has established himself as one of the most dependable goalscorers at Selhurst Park. His tenure with the Eagles has coincided with an unprecedented era of silverware for the club. Mateta played a pivotal role in helping Palace lift the FA Cup during the 2024/25 campaign, followed by an FA Community Shield victory in 2025, and culminating in a historic UEFA Conference League triumph this year.

His individual goalscoring record has been equally impressive. Following a superb 2024–25 season in which he scored 17 goals in all competitions, Mateta attracted heavy interest from continental clubs and was on the verge of joining AC Milan before the proposed transfer reportedly fell through. Undeterred, he maintained his prolific form last season, registering 16 goals and 3 assists.

International Recognition

Mateta’s consistent club performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. He has earned seven senior appearances for France, three of which have come during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, further elevating his profile ahead of the summer transfer window.

With Crystal Palace prepared to do business at £25m, the race for his signature is set to heat up. Whether he chooses to remain in England with Manchester United or test himself in Spain or Italy remains to be seen, but the physical Frenchman represents one of the transfer window’s most intriguing market opportunities.