Key Takeaways:
- Crystal Palace have initiated contract discussions with Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose current agreement runs for over 18 months
- Mateta, aged 28, has netted six goals in 11 matches this season and recently made his debut for France, scoring twice in his first three caps
- Liverpool, having seen a £35m attempt for Marc Guehi fail on Deadline Day, may revisit their interest during the January transfer window
Mateta’s Contract Situation and Recent Form
Crystal Palace have commenced negotiations with Jean-Philippe Mateta regarding a potential contract extension at Selhurst Park. While an agreement is yet to be reached, the club is not rushing, as the Frenchman’s current deal runs for more than 18 months.
The 28-year-old striker has caught the eye this term, scoring six goals in 11 appearances after ending last season in exceptional form. Mateta has also been recognised at international level, making his debut for France in October and scoring two goals in his first three appearances – including a goal in the draw with Iceland and another in France’s away win against Azerbaijan last weekend.
🚨 BREAKING: Crystal Palace have held talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta about extending his contract at Selhurst Park.@SkySportsNews pic.twitter.com/Jo0Ly1isiP
— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) November 20, 2025
Since joining Crystal Palace, Mateta has amassed 54 goals from 171 matches, including 17 across all competitions last season as Palace lifted the FA Cup and secured European qualification.
Palace Players Attract Transfer Attention
Mateta is not the only Palace player attracting outside interest, with clubs reportedly monitoring Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, and Marc Guehi, who is a stated target for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Pursuit of Marc Guehi
Sky Sports report that only Liverpool are likely to make a bid for Marc Guehi in January. The general consensus at Selhurst Park is that other leading European clubs would prefer to pursue Guehi as a free agent come summer, rather than commit to a January transfer.
Liverpool’s interest persists after a £35 million move collapsed on Deadline Day during the summer window. Their intentions regarding a renewed January approach or waiting until Guehi becomes available on a free transfer remain uncertain. Interest from continental giants is considerable, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona all reported to be monitoring the defender’s situation. Guehi will be eligible to negotiate with foreign teams starting 1 January.
Liverpool’s Defensive Options and January Window Implications
Liverpool head into the January window having lost centre-back Giovanni Leoni, a summer signing, to a long-term injury. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires this summer, further raising the stakes in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
