Mateta to Milan Deal Revived After Agent’s San Siro Visit (Milan, 2026)

Key Points

• AC Milan may revisit its interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer 2026 transfer window .
• Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche (also referred to as Paulouche in some reports), was spotted at San Siro during Milan’s 0-0 Serie A draw with Juventus.
• Milan agreed a fee of around €30 million with Crystal Palace in late January 2026, but the deal collapsed due to knee issues found in Mateta’s medical.
• Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated it was “not a big big surprise” that Mateta failed the medical, as the player had played with a swollen knee for several months .
• Mateta chose not to have knee surgery to stay fit for the 2026 World Cup; he missed about six weeks but has returned with three goals and one assist in his last nine appearances.
• Multiple experts weighed in on the knee issue before the deal fell through .
• Reports from Calciomercato.com suggest Milan could pursue a reduced fee this summer, as Mateta enters the final year of his contract .

Milan (South London News) May 2, 2026 –Reports from Italy indicate that AC Milan could reignite their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer transfer window following a visit by the player’s agent to San Siro. The agent’s presence at the stadium during Milan’s recent 0-0 Serie A draw against Juventus has fuelled speculation among Italian media outlets. This development comes months after a €30 million deal collapsed in the final hours of the January window due to medical concerns .

Why Was Mateta’s January Medical a Problem for Milan?

As detailed by Football Italia, Milan had agreed terms exceeding €30 million with Crystal Palace for Mateta towards the end of January 2026.

Crystal Palace had even lined up a replacement in Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Mateta underwent initial medical checks. However, issues emerged during the examination, specifically with the player’s right knee, prompting Milan to send their own medics for further assessment.

Sky Sport Italia, via journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, reported that negotiations “definitively” broke down after additional checks confirmed the knee problem.

According to reports, Mateta had a history of knee issues, including a torn meniscus during his time at Mainz, which required surgery and sidelined him for six months. Palace disclosed the ongoing right knee problems during talks, leading Milan to pull out.

What Did Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner Say About the Failed Medical?

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner addressed the situation publicly. As reported by Football Italia, Glasner admitted that “it was not a big big surprise” to see Mateta fail his medical. He explained that the Frenchman had been playing on with a swollen knee for several months before the January window .

Glasner further noted that Mateta decided against surgery, deeming it the best option for his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

“To be honest it was not a big surprise to everyone that he could fail [the medical]. He knew it was possible. When you play for two-and-a-half months with a swollen knee, it has to be managed and we all know there is an issue with his knee,”

Glasner stated, as quoted in BBC Sport coverage. The coach confirmed Mateta was expected to decide on surgery the following week after the failed deal.

How Has Mateta Performed Since His Knee Rehab?

Mateta missed around six weeks of action while rehabbing his knee. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the player’s gradual return to training in early March 2026. On March 3, Glasner stated,

“He has been out for a long time, but his knee looks better now, so we decided to reintegrate him into training. Although caution is required, the goal is for him to be available for the matches against Larnaca and Leeds United,”

as reported by Elbotola.

By March 11, Glasner announced Mateta was back in the squad but only fit for the bench after just three days of pitch training.

“Philip Mateta back and be in the squad for tomorrow night. No [to starting]. He hasn’t trained on the pitch for five or six weeks, and he’s just been back for three days, so it’s not possible. But it’s great to have him back. He demonstrated in training that he can always create opportunities and score goals,”

Glasner said, per Yahoo Sports.

Mateta made a goal-scoring return in a UEFA Conference League win over Fiorentina but was rested against Newcastle on April 8 to manage his load, according to coach Glasner via Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport. Since returning, he has contributed three goals and one assist from his nine most recent appearances across all competitions.

Who Is Mateta’s Agent and What Does His San Siro Visit Mean?

The agent’s visit has sparked the latest rumours. Nicolo Schira reported that Jean-Philippe Mateta’s agent was in Milan this week and attended the San Siro for the AC Milan vs Juventus match. AC Milan and Juventus showed interest in Mateta during January.

Football Italia identified the agent as Paul Latouche (or Paulouche), who posted on Instagram from San Siro in the VIP section alongside club executives during the 0-0 draw. MilanReports noted this presence reignited speculation, interpreting it as a sign of advanced talks. Calciomercato.com, cited by Football Italia, implies Milan might negotiate a lower fee this summer given Mateta’s contract situation .

Background of the Development

Jean-Philippe Mateta joined Crystal Palace from Mainz in 2022 and has since made 186 appearances, scoring 56 goals and providing 13 assists. He played a key role in Palace’s historic FA Cup win last season, with 19 goals in 39 games during 2023/24 and 17 in 46 during 2024/25. His contract runs into its final year by summer 2026, potentially lowering his transfer value. The knee issue traces back to his Mainz days, but Mateta has prioritised World Cup readiness over surgery. AC Milan’s interest stems from their need for attacking options, having previously eyed him as a statement signing.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Crystal Palace Fans

A renewed Milan approach could lead to Mateta’s departure in summer 2026, impacting Crystal Palace fans by removing a proven goalscorer who has been central to recent successes, including the FA Cup triumph. Fans may face uncertainty over squad depth if no suitable replacement is secured, especially with his contract expiring. For supporters tracking Palace’s progress in competitions like the UEFA Conference League, his potential exit might disrupt team stability and goal output.