Mateta joins Crystal Palace permanently from Mainz - Fee slightly lower than obligation to buy

The permanent transfer of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from FSV Mainz 05 to Crystal Palace is finally official. Both clubs announced an agreement on Monday night. According to media reports, including by RMC Sport, Palace will pay around €11 million for Mateta, €3 million less than originally agreed for the obligation to buy, which would have come into effect after 15 Premier League appearances. Mateta has signed a contract with the Eagles that runs until 2026.

The 24-year-old Frenchman said: “I’m happy. I want to say thank you to the gaffer [Patrick Vieira], he trusted in me. And [thank you to] Dougie [Freedman], the Chairman [Steve Parish] and the team and the fans also, and my family.”

As things have not really gone well for Mateta at Palace for a long time, a loan to another club has been repeatedly discussed, including FC Basel and AS Saint-Étienne. Recently, however, the attacker has been a regular member of the squad, either as a starter or a substitute. He now has two goals and one assist in nine competitive matches for the south Londoners.