Fenerbahçe candidate meets Jean-Philippe Mateta agent over transfer

Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at Crystal Palace has taken another intriguing twist, with Fenerbahçe presidential candidate Aziz Yıldırım reportedly travelling to England to discuss a potential transfer for the French striker.

The Crystal Palace forward is expected to attract significant interest this summer after coming close to leaving Selhurst Park during the January transfer window. AC Milan appeared on course to complete a deal earlier this year before concerns arising during a medical examination led the Italian club to withdraw from the move.

Since then, Mateta has returned strongly, re-establishing himself in Palace's starting line-up and ending the campaign on a high by scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Conference League final.

According to reports in Turkey, Mateta has emerged as a priority target for Fenerbahçe ahead of the club's presidential election on 6-7 June.

Aziz Yıldırım, one of the candidates seeking to return to power, has reportedly promised supporters significant investment in the squad and is working on potential transfer deals before the vote takes place.

The Crystal Palace striker is believed to be one of the centre-forwards under consideration.

Reports claim Yıldırım travelled to England to meet Mateta's representative, Paul Latouche, to discuss the conditions required to secure a transfer. A second round of talks is reportedly being planned and could involve both the player and Crystal Palace.

However, any deal would likely depend on Yıldırım winning the election. Should another candidate prevail, the current negotiations may become irrelevant.

The timing of the interest is significant.

Mateta has just over one year remaining on his Crystal Palace contract, placing the club in a delicate position. Unless a new agreement is reached, Palace could risk losing one of their most valuable attacking assets on a free transfer in 2027.

That reality increases the likelihood of a sale this summer if a suitable offer arrives.

Having followed Palace's squad planning over recent seasons, players entering the final two years of their contracts often become key decisions for the club's hierarchy. Mateta's situation appears to fit that pattern.

While Palace would undoubtedly prefer to keep one of their leading goalscorers, financial considerations could eventually influence the club's stance.

The immediate focus will be Fenerbahçe's presidential election in early June. If Yıldırım is successful, negotiations for Mateta could accelerate quickly.

Crystal Palace must also decide whether to open contract talks or cash in while the striker retains significant market value. Meanwhile, clubs in Serie A are expected to continue monitoring developments, creating the possibility of a multi-club battle for his signature later in the summer.

However, no agreement appears imminent, and several key decisions remain before Mateta's future becomes clear.

Should Crystal Palace sell Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, or is keeping him worth the risk of entering the final year of his contract?