FEE AGREED: Manchester United agree a huge transfer fee to sign Premier League striker as the superstar agrees personal terms to join the Reds
Manchester United’s summer overhaul under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new manager Ruben Amorim is steadily progressing, with Matheus Cunha already secured from Wolves. The next target appears to be a powerful centre-forward, and according to TEAMtalk, Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace has now emerged as the frontrunner on United’s striker shortlist.
Palace recently extended Mateta’s contract through to 2027, but that hasn’t ruled out a potential sale. The club seems willing to cash in if the price is right, even if losing the FA Cup-winning striker could feel like a backward step for manager Oliver Glasner’s ongoing project. Despite his importance, the realities of modern football business often overshadow sentiment.
Manchester United aren’t alone in their interest. Juventus and AC Milan are also keeping close tabs on Mateta. Juventus reportedly view the Frenchman as an ideal fit both tactically and financially after deciding against pursuing Victor Osimhen. Meanwhile, Milan’s direction under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri could heavily influence whether they push forward with a deal of their own.
Amorim’s influence is clearly reshaping United’s transfer strategy. With Cunha already bringing creativity and movement, Mateta’s more physical and goal-focused approach would add balance and firepower. At 27, the Palace striker offers maturity and a proven track record that contrasts with the potential but inconsistency of Rasmus Højlund. Mateta’s performances during the 2024/25 season, particularly in Palace’s cup run, have boosted his stock significantly, with clubs across Europe taking notice.
What makes the situation even more compelling is Palace’s modest asking price. A fee in the region of £25–30 million is very reasonable by Premier League standards—especially when compared to the likes of Liam Delap, who’s reportedly heading to Chelsea for a similar amount. United hesitated with Delap, and missing out on Mateta in similar fashion could prove costly.
There’s a sense of urgency now. Juventus and Milan won’t wait forever, and although the Premier League still has major pulling power, United need to act decisively to make that count. Mateta has often been admired from afar, but his current form and availability have rarely aligned as well as they do now.
Despite helping Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory, the club appears willing to part with Mateta if the offer is right. For United, this could be a pivotal moment in their summer rebuild. Securing a player like Mateta wouldn’t just fill a gap—it would underline Amorim’s tactical vision and Ratcliffe’s commitment to smart, purposeful investment.
Adding Mateta would address a glaring need for a dependable goalscorer who can deliver immediately, unlike Højlund, who remains a work in progress. Mateta brings not just goals, but the physicality and big-match composure that United have often lacked in critical moments. It’s not a flashy signing, but it might be exactly the kind that lays the foundation for long-term success. If United truly want to re-establish themselves among England’s elite, this is the kind of move that can’t wait.
