Fabrizio Romano has confirmed claims from the Athletic’s Dominic Fifield reporting that Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to join Crystal Palace in a loan move that includes an obligatory permanent transfer.
Romano, the highest-profile football journalist in the world now, adds that the 23-year-old will officially sign for the Eagles tomorrow, with medicals pending.
The Italian journalist also cosigns a report from the Guardian regarding the transfer, adding that Roy Hodgson’s side held talks with Mainz over a move for Mateta in the summer as well.
There are some slightly conflicting figures on the transfer, Romano reports that it is for around €17m whilst the Athletic report the loan fee will be €3m and the permanent fee stands at €15m.
Mateta’s loan move is an 18-month one that will automatically become permanent in the summer of 2022, marking a well-structured deal from Palace from a financial perspective in the midst of Covid-19.
Mateta has been superb this season with 10 goals and an assist in 17 appearances across the Bundesliga and German Cup (DFB Pokal).
The 6ft4 ace bolsters Palace’s centre-forward options – which currently see Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew and Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi battle for a spot usually alongside the tricky Wilfried Zaha.
Mateta is a former international at Under-21s level for France, it’s clear that the striker is a promising talent and he proved as such in his two-and-a-half-years with Mainz, scoring 27 goals.