Mateta Says AC Milan Move Collapsed After January Medical

Jean-Philippe mateta said his chance to join AC Milan ended in January after he failed a medical because of problems with his right knee. The Crystal Palace forward said the move is in the past now, but the episode cut across a transfer that had already been agreed and changed the way his season unfolded.

Mateta and the Milan collapse

“That was a particularly difficult period for me,” Mateta said when asked about the failed move. He added: “and far from simple. There was this chance to go to Milan, but that's in the past now, and I don't know what would have happened if I'd gone to Italy. Today, I'm here with France, and my only thought is the national team.”

The deal had been set up as a permanent transfer through a loan with an obligation to buy for €35 million. That fee was to go on the 2026-27 balance sheet, but the right-knee issue ended the move before it could get there.

Crystal Palace and the recovery

Mateta was sidelined from late January to mid-March, then found his best condition again toward the end of the season. He finished the 2025-26 season with Crystal Palace on 16 goals, a return that came after the knee problem had threatened to stop his momentum entirely.

“After the injury, the only thing on my mind was the return date,” he said. He later added: “I realised I might have a chance to be included in the World Cup squad by coach Deschamps, and I worked to be ready. In the end, I made it, and I'm happy.”

Glasner, France, and 2027

Mateta said Crystal Palace gave him more playing time later, thanks to Oliver Glasner, and that helped him grow and gain confidence. He is now in France's squad, and he said his only thought is the national team.

His contract expires in 2027, which keeps his future open even after the Milan collapse. For Palace, the key detail is that the failed January medical did not end his season; it delayed it, and he still finished with 16 goals while moving back into France's plans.