- 16 hours ago
Man Utd eye BARGAIN transfer for prolific Premier League star
Suraj Radia
- 6 Mar 2025 19:00 GMT
- 3 min read
News
Manchester United could turn to a Premier League hot-shot in their pursuit of a new striker this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to restructure his squad under tight constraints.
United are expected to make wholesale changes in the summer with multiple forwards likely to be the priority, although there will need to be significant sales to fund any major business.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea open transfer talks as Man Utd star blasts Amorim
Amorim is keen on a reunion with Viktor Gyokeres, however the Sporting star is understood to be holding out for a move to a Champions League club, making a switch to United unfeasible, while Victor Osimhen is also one of the Red Devils’ top targets.
However, with Osimhen’s release clause at Napoli valued at €70 million, United are casting their net wider and The Sun claim that Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a surprise target.
STATS
Jean-Philippe Mateta
F (C)
Jean-Philippe Mateta
F (C)
C. Palace
United are said to have watched Mateta’s last three games, with the Crystal Palace man having netted eight times in as many games since the turn of the year.
Mateta’s ‘mobility and willingness to toil as the arrowhead’ has led United’s scouts to believe the 27-year-old would be a ‘prime fit’ for Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, with a move also said to ‘appeal’ to the player.
Hojlund departure could pave way for Mateta transfer
Any move for a striker will likely first require a major sale such as that of loanees Marcus Rashford, Antony or Tyrell Malacia, as well as misfiring forward Rasmus Hojlund.
United will listen to offers for Hojlund in the summer with the 22-year-old currently on a run of 18 straight appearances without a goal in all competitions.
READ MORE: Man Utd top scorers 2024/25
There is an acceptance at Old Trafford that they will not be able to recoup the majority of the €74 million spent on Hojlund in 2023 but his departure would allow for a strong pursuit of Mateta or any other forward.
Current ETV
Jean-Philippe Mateta
F (C)
C. Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta
F (C)
C. Palace
ETV Range
€19.1M - €23.4M
Mateta joined Palace in 2022 for €11m but the Frenchman could be available for a cut-price fee as he enters the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
The ex-Mainz striker has scored 28 Premier League goals since the start of last season and is believed to be ‘ready’ to play on a ‘grander’ stage if the opportunity arises.
