Man Utd Wilcox eyes Mateta as 2027 move confirmed for January

Manchester United’s director of football Jason Wilcox has confirmed that Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is his top target for the January window, with the French forward set to change clubs in 2027. The exact timing remains undecided, but United are keen to secure him before the summer.

United's striker shortage drives pursuit

United spent the summer looking for a new striker after lingering doubts over Joshua Zirkzee’s ability to adequately support Benjamin Sesko. The club ultimately failed to sign a replacement because Zirkzee stayed and a midfield overhaul took precedence.

TEAMtalk later reported that United intend to move Zirkzee in January, creating space for a fresh forward – a role Mateta is expected to fill.

Mateta's contract expiry creates January option

Mateta has been eager to leave Crystal Palace for several years and came close to joining AC Milan last January, a deal that collapsed after a medical issue. His contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer, and with no extension planned, a January sale could fetch a fee, otherwise he would depart on a free.

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said, “His future is pretty much certain at Palace right now, he’s in the final year of his contract and we do expect him to leave Palace. The question is whether that’s in January or next summer when his contract expires.” He added that several clubs are watching, and Palace must decide if January is their last chance to cash in.

For United, securing Mateta would add a proven Premier League scorer – 42 goals in the last three seasons – and give Wilcox a striker capable of supporting Sesko. For Palace, a January departure could provide a transfer fee before losing the player for free.