Key Takeaways:
- Milan have abandoned their move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after concerning results from his medical tests today
- The Italian club had agreed to pay 35 million euros for Mateta, with a proposed contract until 2026 and a 3.5 million euros annual salary
- Milan previously withdrew from a similar transfer for Victor Boniface following unsuccessful medical examinations last summer
Medical Issues Halt Mateta’s Proposed Move
AC Milan have decided not to pursue the signing of Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, with reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano confirming the late change in direction. The Italian giants had been in advanced talks to acquire the French international for a fee of 35 million euros. The club had also put forward a contract offer running until 2026, with annual wages of 3.5 million euros for the striker.
🚨 BREAKING: Jean Philippe Mateta will NOT join AC Milan following double session of medical tests today.
Crystal Palace have been informed. ❌🇫🇷
The player wanted the move but it won’t happen. pic.twitter.com/AiHs6ssfS1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2026
The deal, however, came to an abrupt halt after fresh medical examinations raised red flags regarding Mateta’s knees. A Milan club doctor carried out new tests today on the 28-year-old, but the findings only reinforced earlier worries held by the club’s medical staff. As a result, Milan made the final decision not to proceed with the transfer.
History of Cautious Recruitment Decisions
This is not the first instance in which Milan have called off a high-profile striker signing at the final hurdle due to concerns flagged in medical checks. Last summer, a deal to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen also collapsed at a late stage for similar health-related reasons.
Potential Transfer Repercussions for Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future remains uncertain, particularly with regards to whether Juventus will revive their interest after earlier bids were turned down this month. Meanwhile, it is currently unclear if Crystal Palace will secure Wolverhampton’s Jørgen Strand Larsen, a player viewed as a possible replacement for Mateta.
