Real Betis and Sevilla are unlikely to be making a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta this summer, unless they secure major sales first.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who believe it is unlikely either club will be in the market for the Crystal Palace striker without getting rid of players first.
Mateta found himself linked to both sides this week, with a report in England claiming that the Sevillian duo had been in touch ahead of a possible move in the summer.
Estadio now pick up on that and pour cold water all over the idea, or at least, dampen the idea of anything happening anytime soon.
With Betis they explain that the club already signed Cedric Bakambu and Chimy Avila in the last winter transfer window and that was done with a roadmap in place that will see them put Willian Jose and Borja Iglesias on the market to reduce their salary spending this summer.
Once they’re sold, they’ll look for an experienced forward, albeit one who can also be revalued and potentially sold on down the line too, but Mateta would be out of their price range.
They assume that Crystal Palace would want to make their money back on him so he’d cost at least €11m, while his salary on top of that ‘would complicate’ the plans those in charge have laid out.
There is a chance of a deal being done at a better price next year when he’s in the final year of his deal but for now, a move is unlikely.
And it’s even less likely at Sevilla, where the finances are even tighter. Indeed, they need to reduce their budget by €60-70m this summer thanks the absence of extra income from European football.
They also need to sell players and find suitors for Rafa Mir, Isaac Romero and even Youssef En-Nesyri before they can even think about adding to their squad.
If they achieve that any additions will still be done at a level far below what it would cost to get Mateta out of Crystal Palace, with a need to be strict and smart with the money they have. Thus, Mateta is likely to be out of their reach as well.
