Milan's medical rejection of Mateta justified as striker returns after layoff
AC Milan's decision to abandon a deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final hours of the January transfer window appears to have been vindicated, with the player only now returning to full fitness. The Serie A club had agreed a fee reported to be around €35 million for the French forward but pulled out after medical examinations raised concerns over a pre-existing knee issue.
Mateta is set to start for Crystal Palace in their UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina on Thursday, marking his first start since the proposed move collapsed on January 31st. According to reports from Italy, Milan's head of medical staff, Dr. Mazzoni, flew to London for additional tests on the final day of the window and advised against proceeding with the transfer due to problems with the player's right knee, which required meniscus surgery in 2019.
The 27-year-old had been in strong form for Palace prior to the move, scoring seven goals in his first 13 Premier League games this season under manager Oliver Glasner. His potential signing was seen as a key piece of business for Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri. However, following the failed transfer, Mateta was sidelined for approximately six weeks with a knee problem, missing several matches and only returning as a substitute in mid-March.
Since his return, Mateta has managed just 83 minutes of action across four substitute appearances, failing to score or register a shot on target. Glasner confirmed the striker's extended absence, stating Mateta had been unable to train with the squad during that period. The manager noted Mateta scored a hat-trick in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly but admitted uncertainty over the player's match sharpness for a high-intensity European tie.
Palace had anticipated the funds from Mateta's sale but proceeded with a club-record €50 million signing of striker Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers regardless. Strand Larsen's suspension for the Fiorentina match is what forces Glasner to turn to Mateta as his only available senior centre-forward. For Milan, the cautious approach has spared them a significant financial outlay on a player who subsequently endured a lengthy injury layoff, allowing them to redirect their transfer resources elsewhere.
The situation underscores the critical role of medical assessments in modern transfers, with Milan's due diligence potentially preventing a costly mistake. Mateta will now aim to prove his fitness and quality against Italian opposition, albeit for his current employers rather than his once-suitor.
