The recent arrival of Oliver Glasner at Nottingham Forest has led to renewed discussions regarding the future of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Questions are currently being raised surrounding the French international’s next steps in his career. Mateta was the subject of intense interest from Forest during the January transfer window, demonstrating a clear desire from the club for his services.
However, the player ultimately opted for a proposed move to AC Milan. This transfer to the Italian side did not materialise, as Mateta subsequently failed a medical examination. The reason for the failed medical was attributed to a knee injury, an issue that had persisted throughout the entirety of last season, impacting his availability and performance.
A Past Connection and January’s Failed Move
Following the failed transfer to AC Milan, Mateta remained in South London. He then spent time nursing the knee injury before making a return to action. Upon his return, Mateta played a vital role in his side winning the Conference League, an achievement under the management of Glasner.
He notably scored the winning goal for Glasner’s side, securing a 1-0 victory against Rayo Vellacano in Leipzig. This success highlighted the effective relationship between the player and the manager. The rush for his club to sell Mateta in the January window had come about in part due to the remaining length on his contract, with his current deal expiring next Summer.
Mateta and his entourage had made it clear that signing a new deal with his current club was not considered an option. Consequently, his club were left disappointed when the January move fell through. They were aware at the time that the last real chance to secure a strong transfer fee had seemingly passed.
Forest’s Renewed Interest and Palace’s Opportunity
Now, with only one year left on his current contract, his club finds itself with a final opportunity to cash in on the French international. A report from Football Insider is suggesting that Nottingham Forest may well reignite their interest in Mateta. This potential renewed pursuit would be an attempt to bring the striker to the City Ground, strengthening their attacking options.
The club could potentially have a lifeline this Summer, as it represents the ultimate chance to make any money back on the player. In the current transfer market, Mateta would normally be valued around £40 million. Forest’s initial interest in the player, coupled with the previous working relationship between Glasner and Mateta, are identified as the catalysts for this story re-emerging.
A move for Mateta would make sense for Forest in a number of ways. The club could certainly benefit from more attacking depth within their squad. Chris Wood missed large parts of last season through injury, impacting the team’s forward options. While Igor Jesus had a strong first season for the club, adding another forward who can all but guarantee goals is generally considered a good move for any Premier League club looking to bolster its ranks.
Complications and Prospects for a Deal
The assessment of the situation suggests that, in essence, a move for Mateta makes considerable sense. Mateta has previously thrived under Glasner, demonstrating a successful partnership. Furthermore, it is known from the January window that his club were willing to part ways with the player if it meant receiving a transfer fee. With Strand Larsen already through the door, a replacement for Mateta is considered to be already in place.
However, matters could become complicated, and indeed are likely to, due to the existing relationship between the two clubs. While much of the discourse surrounding this relationship is between fans, off-pitch antics that occurred at the beginning of last season will have left a sour taste on both sides. This strained relationship could present a significant hurdle to any potential transfer negotiations.
Mateta could certainly depart his current club this Summer, given his contract situation. Despite the logical fit in some respects, a move to Nottingham Forest seems unlikely. The links between Mateta and Forest are potentially amounting more due to the history between the player and manager, and the approach from Forest last Winter, rather than a strong current likelihood of a transfer.
It remains one to watch in the coming transfer window, but the prospect of Mateta moving to Forest does feel like a reach.