In the winter 2020 market, Jean-Philippe Mateta arrived at Crystal Palace on an 18-month loan deal from Mainz 05.
As a part of the agreement between the two clubs, the Eagles retain an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
After making seven appearances in the second half of last season under Roy Hodgson, things aren’t looking great for the 24-year-old at Selhurst Park this term.
Patrick Vieira has handed the Frenchman only three appearances, which includes one league start. Lack of game time has been a reason for worry at the Bundesliga side.
According to Bild, Mateta is not included in the manager’s plans at Crystal Palace and Vieira has informed the player. When providing details of the agreement, it’s said the Premier League side agreed a €3.5m loan fee.
The purchase obligation was set at €14m, but is conditional on the striker making a certain number of appearances, which now seems ‘obsolete’.
Mainz sports director Christian Heidel has now admitted Mateta can change clubs in January.
“The contract is clear. Mateta has a contract with Crystal Palace until June 2022. From the sporting point of view, it also seems to be clear. He can leave the club in winter. This only happens with our consent,” Heidel told Bild.
The German club’s chief has also ruled out Mateta’s return to Mainz midway through the season.
“An early return is currently not being considered. We’ll see what we can do with this constellation. We approach this very calmly and talk to the consultant,” he explained.
