Crystal Palace's transfer plans have been disrupted by a significant injury to striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and complications over a potential signing. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Jean-Philippe Mateta sustained a hamstring injury that will rule him out for around four weeks, meaning he misses the club's first home game of the season against Manchester City. This setback arrives as the club sits 19th in the Premier League with zero points from two games, having scored just once and conceded six.
What is the latest on Joel Ordonez?
Crystal Palace were close to securing a loan deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez with a conditional obligation to buy for about €30 million. That potential move is now in serious doubt due to an injury issue, according to the same report. The collapse of this defensive reinforcement leaves manager Oliver Glasner with fewer options as he seeks to shore up a backline that has conceded six goals in the opening two matches. Fans can track the team's defensive record on our stats page.
How does Mateta's situation affect the squad?
Jean-Philippe Mateta's hamstring problem is a major blow for a player already disaffected at Selhurst Park. The forward has rejected several new contract offers throughout 2024 and 2025 and is desperate for a move away. Aston Villa had an offer for him rejected this week as it fell considerably short of Palace's valuation. His absence for the next month creates an immediate shortage in attack ahead of a challenging run of fixtures, starting with a trip to face Fulham. The team's next match is away to 14th-placed Fulham on September 5th, a game they will need to approach without their senior striker.
What other transfer business is happening?
While Palace's deal for Ordonez stalls, other Premier League clubs were active. Aston Villa completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for a package worth £65 million, with £47.5 million paid upfront. Villa also reached an agreement in principle to sign 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain for €55 million. Nottingham Forest made an offer worth up to £22 million for Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz, their manager Oliver Glasner confirming the club will have 'at least one more signing'. In the Championship, Stoke City are finalising a deal for San Diego FC left-back Luca Bombino for a fee north of $5 million.
What comes next for Crystal Palace?
The immediate focus shifts to coping without Mateta and navigating a difficult period in the league. Palace are already six points behind early leaders Manchester City, whom they host at Selhurst Park in their next home game with an 8pm BST kick-off. The injury news and transfer uncertainty add pressure ahead of the Fulham clash, a match that could be important for building momentum. Supporters can view the full schedule and the team's position in our standings. The club's recruitment team must now decide whether to pursue alternative targets before the window closes to address the squad's evident needs.
