Crystal Palace disclosed Jean-Philippe Mateta's right-knee history to AC Milan before a proposed transfer collapsed; Milan judged surgery likely. Betting impact: expect markets to shorten on Mateta being sidelined or missing World Cup selection, reduced backing for Milan to complete the transfer, and adjusted match/goal markets for Palace while Mateta’s fitness is uncertain.
Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer collapses over knee concerns
Crystal Palace provided full medical documentation to AC Milan ahead of talks to sign striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the move stalled after the Italian club raised concerns about his right knee. The 28-year-old previously suffered a ruptured meniscus in 2019 while at Mainz and underwent surgery that kept him out for around six months.
Milan’s medical verdict: surgery likely required
Two examinations conducted by AC Milan concluded the problem is more than temporary inflammation and will probably need surgical intervention. The club’s assessment is that the issue cannot be fully managed through therapy and load adjustments alone, prompting hesitation over completing the deal.
Why surgery might be the sensible path
An operation would aim to eliminate the chronic pain Mateta has experienced and reduce the risk of the issue recurring. For the player it would improve long-term playing prospects; for potential buyers it would remove a lingering fitness question that can limit transfer interest or depress fees.
Contract situation and transfer-window implications
Mateta’s current contract runs until 2027, which means Palace risk losing him on a free transfer if no sale is arranged. That makes a summer transfer attractive for Palace, but the prospect of required surgery complicates negotiations and could scupper immediate moves until his fitness is resolved.
World Cup selection at stake
Any decision to operate carries implications for Mateta’s short-term availability and his chances of being named for a potential first World Cup. A surgical recovery timeline could rule him out of national-team consideration or limit his match fitness leading into the tournament.
What this means for bettors and betting markets
Uncertainty over Mateta’s fitness affects several markets: odds for Milan completing the transfer are likely to drift, markets on Mateta starting upcoming matches or scoring for Palace could shorten if he’s expected to be sidelined, and selection markets for the World Cup may shift against him.
Punters should monitor medical updates and team announcements before staking on markets tied to his availability or transfer status.
In their two examinations of Mateta, the Serie A club came to the conclusion that the striker would likely require an operation to cure the problem, described as an "inflammation" of the knee.
Milan deal for Crystal Palace striker Mateta has fallen through
It is Milan's view that the issue cannot resolved by therapy and load management. It would also suit Palace to a point as it would likely eradicate the possibility of his current knee problems arising as an obstacle towards any future sale.
Yahoo! News
