AC Milan has officially withdrawn from negotiations to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, effectively ending one of the winter window’s most anticipated transfer sagas. The deal disintegrated on Monday after the 28-year-old French forward underwent an extensive double session of medical examinations, which raised significant red flags for the Italian club’s medical staff.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Rossoneri have already contacted the Selhurst Park hierarchy to formally cancel the transfer, despite both clubs having reached a broad agreement on a fee exceeding €30m earlier in the week.
The collapse comes as a massive blow to Mateta, who had actively pushed for the move to the San Siro to test himself in Serie A. Milan officials sought specific reassurances regarding a recurring knee issue during the tests in Paris, but the results failed to meet the rigorous standards required for a long-term investment. Reports now suggest the injury may be severe enough to require surgery, potentially sidelining the striker for several months and complicating any alternative moves before the deadline.
While the former Mainz man remains under contract at Crystal Palace, his immediate future in South London appears uncertain following his clear desire to depart. Manager Oliver Glasner now faces the challenge of reintegrating a player whose mind was seemingly set on a move to Italy, or finding a last-minute suitor willing to overlook the medical findings. With the transfer window rapidly closing, Mateta finds himself in limbo as Palace continues to finalize their own offensive reinforcements, including the high-profile arrival of Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
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