Oliver Glasner has moved to calm the growing speculation surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future, insisting the Crystal Palace striker has not submitted a transfer request despite persistent links to Aston Villa and Juventus.
With the January window entering its final stretch, the Palace manager was emphatic in dismissing claims that his leading forward is actively pushing for a move away from Selhurst Park.
Rumours gathered pace over the past week amid suggestions that Mateta had grown frustrated by Palace’s recent struggles, including the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and early exits from both domestic cup competitions.
The narrative painted a picture of a club lacking ambition, with Mateta reportedly eager to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. Glasner, however, used his latest press conference to set the record straight.
“Very clear. He didn’t hand in a transfer request, and we have no bid received right now. That’s the situation,” Glasner said, directly addressing the speculation.
The Austrian coach acknowledged regular dialogue with his players but made it clear that private conversations should not be mistaken for unrest. “I speak with many players about different topics, but it’s a service I don’t tell it publicly.”
Glasner also reiterated Palace’s broader stance on transfers, stressing that no player is deemed untouchable, but departures require the right conditions.
“I’ll repeat what I said two weeks ago – (for) every player there is a price where a club say okay. Evaluating the whole situation – age, contract, duration and a price where the club says ‘okay we agree a deal’ but no bid has come in, and, and he hasn’t handed in a transfer request, and, and he will play Sunday.”
Mateta’s importance to Palace is difficult to overstate. The 28-year-old has scored 10 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, building on the 17 he registered last term to establish himself as the club’s most reliable attacking outlet.
His physical presence and improved consistency have been central to Palace’s attacking structure, particularly during a season disrupted by transition and injuries.
With Glasner himself expected to leave at the end of the campaign and only days remaining in the winter window, Palace are increasingly confident Mateta will remain in south London until at least the summer.
Barring a late and substantial offer, the striker appears set to lead the line as Palace look to stabilise their season and restore momentum in the weeks ahead.
