By Martin Graham
Jean-Philippe Mateta is facing an uncertain period at Crystal Palace following the breakdown of a proposed transfer to AC Milan late in the January window.
The Serie A side pulled out of a £30m agreement after concerns emerged during two separate physical examinations, despite initial progress towards finalising the move.
Palace, according to sources, had already shared complete health documentation with the Italian club, making clear the forward’s physical situation before negotiations reached their final stage.
Knee problem and impact on form
Oliver Glasner has recently acknowledged that the striker has been managing a knee issue, a problem that has coincided with a downturn in output since early December.
Mateta has found the net only once in that period, with discomfort believed to be affecting both his sharpness and availability.
Italian sources indicate Milan’s doubts focused on his right knee, which previously required surgery in 2019 after a meniscus rupture suffered during his time at Mainz.
Surgery, selection and Palace future
Milan’s medical staff concluded that the condition, described as inflammation, would likely need an operation rather than treatment through therapy or workload control.
While surgery could resolve ongoing pain and remove obstacles for any future transfer, it may also complicate the attacker’s international ambitions with France ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
With his Palace contract running until 2027 and competition for minutes increased by the arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Mateta must balance recovery, club opportunities and the chance to secure his place with Les Bleus.
