Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski, according to Fichajes.net.
The Crystal Palace striker recently caught attention with a brace in his team’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League on February 2.
Despite Lewandowski’s impressive form this season—scoring 30 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions—his contract runs until 2026. At 36 years old, the Polish striker is nearing the twilight of his career, prompting Barcelona to search for a younger replacement. Mateta appears to fit the profile the Catalan giants are looking for.
The French forward has netted 10 goals in 24 Premier League matches this season, along with three additional goals in the EFL Cup. Standing at 1.92 meters, Mateta possesses the physical attributes of a classic centre-forward. If the transfer materializes, Barcelona supporters will hope he adapts quickly to Spanish football.
Mateta’s work ethic and positioning have earned him widespread recognition, making him a crucial player for Crystal Palace. He initially joined the club from Mainz 05 in 2021 but was immediately loaned back to the German side. Since 2022, however, he has cemented his place in Palace’s starting lineup.
Mateta as Lewandowski’s Successor at Barcelona
Due to financial constraints, Barcelona must be strategic with their transfer dealings. However, reports suggest that signing Mateta will not be a major challenge.
The 27-year-old remains under contract with Crystal Palace until 2026, but Barcelona believe they can secure his services without much difficulty.
The club aims to complete the signing during the upcoming summer transfer window, allowing Mateta to serve as Lewandowski’s understudy in the latter stages of his contract. Given the circumstances, it appears unlikely that Lewandowski will receive an extension beyond 2026.
Once the veteran striker leaves, Mateta is expected to take over as Barcelona’s main centre-forward. The club is reportedly highly impressed with his skill set and tactical intelligence, making him a priority target.
Currently, Barcelona sit third in the La Liga standings with 45 points, trailing league leaders Real Madrid by four points. They will be eager to close the gap on their arch-rivals and mount a strong title challenge, aiming to reclaim the championship they last won in the 2022-23 season.
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