Liverpool ‘in talks’ to sign 30-goal Premier League forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Explore Mateta Move as Striker Options Narrow

Contact Made Over Mateta Deal

Liverpool’s search for a new striker has entered a decisive phase, with fresh links emerging to Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. According to a report from Foot Mercato, the Reds recently held a meeting in Paris with Mateta and his representatives, as they assess more financially viable alternatives to premium targets like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

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With Isak unlikely to be prised away from Newcastle and Ekitike’s rising market value complicating matters, Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to be exploring more cost-effective solutions. Mateta, 28, is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027 and is reportedly valued between £43 million and £52 million.

Photo: IMAGO

Impressive Premier League Record

The French striker has quietly assembled an impressive goal return across his past two Premier League campaigns. He has scored 30 goals in his last 72 appearances, demonstrating both consistency and physical presence that could suit Liverpool’s system under Arne Slot.

Foot Mercato report that Liverpool “very much appreciate what Mateta has been doing” and view him as a player who could transition quickly given his experience in the league.

Photo IMAGO

Palace Position on Potential Sale

Crystal Palace are reportedly open to doing business, depending on the final offer. With just two years left on Mateta’s deal, the South London club may see this summer as the right time to capitalise on his value, particularly if interest from other clubs, including Manchester United, continues to grow.

Slot is understood to be open to options that provide depth and variety in attack, especially with the club keen to remain competitive on multiple fronts this season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a good striker, no question. His numbers in the Premier League are solid and he has proved he can lead the line. But when you hear names like Isak and Ekitike being linked, this does feel like a downgrade in ambition.

The concern is that the club may be shifting towards safe options that don’t truly elevate the starting XI. Mateta could certainly be a decent rotation option, but should Liverpool be spending £50 million on a player who doesn’t start ahead of what they already have?

That said, the Slot era will bring new demands and possibly a different tactical approach. Maybe Mateta is viewed as someone who complements rather than replaces. If the reported meeting in Paris really did happen, then it’s clearly serious. But for many of us, this will feel like settling unless it’s part of a wider attacking strategy.