News

Mateta in January only with one condition

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2026

Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French striker born in 1997 and currently playing for Crystal Palace, has reportedly emerged as a concrete transfer target for Juventus.

According to La Repubblica, the Italian giants are closely monitoring the situation of the forward, even if any official move appears strictly linked to the future of Dusan Vlahovic.

At this stage of the season, Juventus’ interest remains conditional and strategic rather than immediate.

Juventus’ Interest Depends on Vlahovic’s Future

As reported by La Repubblica, Juventus would only be in a position to submit an offer for Mateta if Vlahovic were to leave the club.

The Serbian striker, whose contract with the Bianconeri is approaching its final stages, is said to be reluctant to renew under reduced financial terms.

This uncertainty has forced Juventus to carefully evaluate potential successors, and Mateta fits the profile the club is looking for: physical presence, experience in a top European league, and room for further growth.

However, financial constraints remain a decisive factor. Crystal Palace reportedly value the French international at around €35 million, a figure Juventus cannot afford to invest during the current season.

With budgets already stretched and priorities elsewhere, a winter or mid-season move is considered unrealistic. For this reason, any concrete negotiations are expected to be postponed.

A Summer Scenario Takes Shape

A more plausible scenario, again according to La Repubblica, could unfold in June. By then, Juventus may have more clarity on Vlahovic’s future and potentially generate funds through his departure.

In that case, Mateta could become the natural heir to the Serbian striker, offering continuity in terms of physicality and goal-scoring potential.

Mateta’s performances in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed, and his steady development makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking reliability up front.

Juventus’ long-term planning suggests that the club is preparing for a transition in attack, and the French striker could play a central role in that evolution—provided the economic and contractual conditions align next summer.