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Liverpool are closing in on Jean-Philippe Mateta after holding talks with his agents in Paris on July 14th. The Crystal Palace striker has become the Reds’ primary target, with football insiders suggesting a £43-52 million deal could be wrapped up soon. The Week and Foot Mercato first broke the story of those crucial Paris meetings.
Why Liverpool Want Mateta Now
It’s been a tough year for Liverpool up front. Losing Diogo Jota was devastating, and now they’re sweating over Darwin Nunez (Napoli are sniffing around) and Luis Diaz potentially heading elsewhere. Jean-Philippe Mateta fits the bill perfectly – he’s Premier League proven, knows how to find the net, and won’t break the bank like Alexander Isak would (Newcastle want €96 million for him).
Arne Slot loves what he sees in Mateta’s game. At 6’4″, he’s got the physicality to lead the line and hold up play, exactly what Liverpool need. Plus, they’re not just after Jean-Philippe Mateta – Marc Guehi is also on their radar, so Palace better brace themselves for a double raid.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Jean-Philippe Mateta had a strong 2024/25 season. While others were struggling to find consistency, he was scoring goals week after week. His FA Cup heroics alone should have Liverpool’s scouts drooling.
| Mateta’s 2024/25 Season Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearances (All Competitions) | 46 |
| Premier League Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Premier League Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Minutes Played | 3,300+ |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 13.5 |
| Shots on Target | 42.6% |
| Source | Transfermarkt, FBref |
Fourteen goals in 37 Premier League games isn’t flashy, but it’s solid. His xG of 13.5 shows he’s actually overperforming, and that 42.6% shot accuracy means he’s not just shooting for the sake of it. When Palace won the FA Cup, guess who was there when it mattered most?
Palace Playing Hardball
Crystal Palace aren’t giving up easily. They’re desperately trying to get Jean-Philippe Mateta to sign a new deal beyond 2027, dangling Europa League football as the carrot. Oliver Glasner sees him as untouchable, but Palace know their price – £40-50 million and he’s yours.
The Europa League angle is clever. Mateta gets European football either way, but staying at Palace means being the main man rather than competing with Liverpool’s star-studded attack. Still, Champions League football is Champions League football.
Everyone’s After Him (But Liverpool Are Winning)
Jean-Philippe Mateta was the talk of the town earlier this year. Manchester United had a look, Atlético Madrid were interested, but both have gone quiet. AC Milan are still lurking, but they can’t match Liverpool’s pull.
There’s even chat about Harvey Elliott going the other way as part of the deal, though nothing’s concrete yet. Liverpool cooled their interest in Hugo Ekitike, which tells you everything about where Jean-Philippe Mateta sits in their pecking order.
The France striker wants that 2026 World Cup spot, and regular Champions League football would certainly help his cause. It’s hard to argue with Liverpool’s logic here.
What the Fans Are Saying
Liverpool fans are split, as usual. Some reckon Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a smart pickup: “He might not be the flashiest player, but one thing’s certain — the Frenchman knows how to score goals.” Others aren’t convinced he’s the marquee signing they’re after.
The backup striker debate is interesting. Is he good enough to start for Liverpool? Probably not consistently. But as a plan B who can come on and change games? That’s where he might shine.
Thierry Henry reportedly rates him highly, which carries weight. If Arsenal’s greatest striker thinks Jean-Philippe Mateta has what it takes, Liverpool fans should probably listen.
What Happens Next? – Mateta Transfer
This one’s far from over. Liverpool’s talks with his agents show they’re serious, but Palace aren’t giving up without a fight. The Europa League card is being played hard, and you can understand why Mateta might be tempted to stay put.
His Champions League dreams versus Palace’s promise of being their main man – it’s a proper dilemma. The Jean-Philippe Mateta saga has all the ingredients of a summer blockbuster, and with Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcements, don’t be surprised if this one rumbles on right until deadline day.
