This season is shaping up to be a deeply troubling one for Crystal Palace, and that assessment hardly feels exaggerated.
The South London club have gone 11 matches without a win, with their last victory coming against Shelbourne of the League of Ireland in the Conference League. Since then, Palace have struggled badly in the Premier League, exited both domestic cup competitions and already seen key defender Marc Guehi depart. There is also growing concern that Jean-Philippe Mateta could follow him out of Selhurst Park.
While losing Mateta would be a major blow, there are signs Palace may already be lining up a potential successor who could mirror the Frenchman’s impact.
Palace step up search for Mateta replacement
After Mateta informed the club of his desire to leave during the January window, it was inevitable that Palace would be linked with a range of attacking options. Reports have connected the Eagles with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, valued at around £40 million, while Rennes forward Mohamed Kader Meite has also been mentioned as a possible target.
However, with Palace in need of a forward who could make an immediate difference, attention has now turned to a higher-profile option. According to a report from Sports Boom, the club are keen on Borussia Dortmund striker Maximilian Beier.
The report claims Palace have already made formal enquiries for the 23-year-old but have been knocked back by Dortmund so far. Despite that resistance, Palace are said to be prepared to meet Beier’s €60 million valuation, roughly £52 million, if Mateta does leave before the window closes.
It would be an expensive and complex deal to complete, but Beier’s quality suggests it could be worth the effort.
Why Beier could follow Mateta’s path at Palace
There are obvious differences between Mateta and Beier, but there are also several parallels that make the comparison appealing for Palace.
Like Mateta, Beier has developed his reputation in the Bundesliga, a market Palace have previously tapped into successfully. Mateta was also 23 years old when he arrived at Selhurst Park, the same age Beier is now.
Although he is not yet a household name, the former Hoffenheim forward has already shown he can deliver at the highest level. Last season, he recorded eight goals and six assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances, playing just under 1,600 minutes. That worked out as a goal involvement roughly every 114 minutes.
This campaign, his output has been even more impressive. In 16 league games and just 865 minutes of football, Beier has produced five goals and three assists, averaging a goal contribution every 108 minutes.
By comparison, Mateta registered 16 goal involvements across 37 matches last season, averaging one every 166 minutes. His numbers have dipped further this term, with eight goals in 22 appearances and a goal involvement every 229 minutes.
If Palace are forced to move on from Mateta, returning to the Bundesliga to secure Beier could prove to be a smart and forward-thinking solution.