- 19 Nov 2024
Crystal Palace sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz 05.
The Frenchman joins the Eagles on an initial 18-month loan deal with a permanent option reportedly worth €15m included.
Mateta, who joined Mainz from Lyon in 2018, has scored 27 goals in 71 appearances for the German club – including 10 in just 17 outings this season.
“I’m very happy to come to Crystal Palace and I look forward to training,” Mateta told Palace TV.
“[Playing in the Premier League] was my dream when I was a child. Now I can play, I will show the fans of Crystal Palace what I can do.”
The Paris-born forward also revealed the role Hodgson played in his move to Selhurst Park.
He added: “I spoke with him [Hodgson] over the phone but I want to speak with him face to face. [He spoke] French – good French.
“I know this manager is a good trainer with a good team.”