- Newcastle United eye Crystal Palace transfer
- Mateta scored a brace in a 2-1 win over the Magpies
- Eddie Howe looking for players with Premier League experience
Newcastle United were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace on the weekend, as Jean-Philippe Mateta made comeback dreams a reality, scoring twice from the bench. That brace came amid recent reports that the Magpies could make a transfer swoop for the Frenchman this summer.
Reported in February by Football Insider, Eddie Howe’s side are keen on the idea of introducing the forward to St James’ Park as he looks set to be leaving Selhurst Park this summer after a move to AC Milan in January fell through.
It’s believed the English manager is looking for players with Premier League experience to be added to their ranks if he remains in the dugout for next season.
Newcastle United interest in Mateta
The 28-year-old has been out of Oliver Glasner’s XI for several months after pursuing a move to Italy, while January signing Jorgen Strand-Larsen has been made the starting striker.
Mateta scored his first goal back in the blue and red shirt in their Conference League quarter-final tie against Fiorentina last Thursday as they gave themselves a 3-0 advantage.
His impact as a substitute against the Tyneside outfit was ideal, as the Eagles came away with the win, which will give them confidence before their second leg in Florence.
The Austrian manager had plenty of kind words to say about his striker and the attitude to turn things around, which was reported by Fotmob.
He said, “As soon as it was clear that he had to stay at Crystal Palace, he said: ‘Ok, I will work very, very hard to come back and help the team win,’ and to help us achieve all our goals.
“For me, it was a massive performance, not just regarding football, but also psychologically.”
Even though it’s been a turbulent period for Mateta, he has still scored 10 Premier League goals in 25 outings, with him being Palace’s top league scorer so far this campaign.
Fan Verdict
Mateta is an incredible forward, and he has showcased that in the last three league campaigns, with 40 league goals between them.
However, Yoane Wissa was viewed in a similar light. He had scored 38 goals in his last three seasons at Brentford and had plenty of Premier League experience under his belt at that stage.
He has failed so far at St James’ Park, with his antics also causing distress, as they did on the weekend following the full-time whistle.
Mateta turns 29 in June, and he will be looking for first-team minutes, something the club shouldn’t be guaranteeing him if they still have Nick Woltemade.
The German has had a tough season, but it seems he still maintains the backing of the fans who understand that he is being treated harshly by the manager’s tactics.
The Toon Army haven’t forgotten how good the 24-year-old was at the beginning of the season; therefore, Newcastle must trust him once again to lead the line.
Mateta is a solid striker in England, but if the Magpies are to push for Europe and sustain their push, he can’t be the man to lead them, as their solution is already amidst their ranks.
In other news, Jamie O’Hara slams two Newcastle United players after ‘shambolic’ defeat to Crystal Palace.
