Juventus are again considering a move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports in Italy. The 29-year-old Frenchman has attracted attention from several top European clubs following a period of sustained form and success with his current club. Juventus previously attempted to sign Mateta in January, but a deal failed to materialize. He now emerges as competition for Randal Kolo Muani, who has also been linked with a move to Turin.
Mateta’s career has been built on perseverance and hard work, progressing through several French youth academies – including Olympique de Sevran and Berrichonne de Châteauroux – before making his professional debut with the latter at age 18. After a spell with Lyon, a loan to Le Havre proved pivotal, with 20 goals in 37 Ligue 2 matches earning him a move to Germany. He spent two and a half years at Mainz, gaining experience and adding to his goal tally, before joining Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
In England, Mateta initially featured for the Under-23s, but gradually established himself as a key player for Palace, becoming a consistent starter. His recent form has been impressive, scoring in double figures for three consecutive Premier League seasons, including 16 goals in the 2023/24 campaign and 14 in 2024/25. Despite a knee injury impacting the latter part of the recent season, he still managed 12 goals in 32 appearances. Overall, he has made 202 appearances for Crystal Palace, scoring 62 goals and contributing to the club’s recent success, including victories in the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League.
Mateta earned his first call-up to the French national team in October 2025, making his debut and subsequently scoring his first goal for Les Bleus. This international recognition followed years of dedicated performance and represents a culmination of his career journey. He was also included in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the recent World Cup, though he saw limited playing time.
Described as a modern centre-forward, Mateta combines physical presence with technical ability. Standing at 192cm, he is strong in the air, capable of holding up the ball, and possesses a clinical finishing touch. His attributes make him a suitable fit for Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, who are seeking to add further attacking options following the arrival of Jeff Ekhator. The potential arrival of Mateta could provide a significant boost to Juventus’ attacking firepower and add another dimension to their forward line.
