AC Milan’s attempt to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace collapsed dramatically on the final day of the January 2026 transfer window. What initially appeared to be a straightforward deal ultimately fell apart due to serious concerns over the French striker’s knee condition.
Mateta was widely expected to complete a move to San Siro, with all major aspects of the transfer already agreed. Milan and Crystal Palace had reportedly settled on a transfer fee of around €30 million, and contract documents were prepared for the player to sign.
However, the deal stalled at the final hurdle after AC Milan requested additional medical evaluations. Following a thorough review of Mateta’s physical condition, the Rossoneri made the decision to withdraw from the transfer entirely.
While reports suggested that disagreements over agent commissions played a minor role, Milan’s medical team identified the knee issue as the decisive factor behind the failed move.
How the Mateta Transfer Unraveled
AC Milan had already reached a verbal agreement with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was prepared to sign a four-year contract with the Serie A giants. The 28-year-old striker viewed the move as a major step forward in his career and was keen to test himself in Italian football.
Initially, Crystal Palace were reluctant to sell one of their most reliable attacking options. However, the Premier League club eventually gave the green light after securing a suitable replacement. Milan, for their part, moved quickly to line up Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers as a contingency option, anticipating Mateta’s arrival.
With all parties aligned, Mateta underwent an initial medical examination in London. Although the first tests raised questions, they were not conclusive enough to immediately cancel the deal. As a precaution, Milan requested a second, more detailed medical assessment in Paris.
Serious Knee Injury Forces Milan to Abort Deal
The additional medical tests proved decisive. According to reports, doctors identified significant damage to Mateta’s knee, an issue that would require surgical intervention to fully resolve.
Sky Sport Italia and transfer analyst Sacha Tavolieri reported that the striker would likely be sidelined for three to four months, a timeline that Milan deemed too risky given their immediate needs and long-term planning.
With the transfer window rapidly closing and fewer than two hours remaining, AC Milan chose not to pursue any further attacking reinforcements. The club had already strengthened their squad earlier in January by signing Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham United, a move that ultimately softened the impact of the failed Mateta deal.
Milan Opt for Caution Over Risk
The collapse of the Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer highlights AC Milan’s cautious approach in the market, prioritizing player fitness and long-term stability over short-term solutions. While the Rossoneri missed out on a physically imposing striker, the club avoided committing significant resources to a player facing a lengthy recovery.
For Mateta, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and regaining full fitness at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Milan will move forward with their current attacking options as they continue their push in Serie A and European competition.
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