Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage expects Mateta and Sarr to stay

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has stated his expectation that neither Jean-Philippe Mateta nor Ismaila Sarr will depart the club before the transfer window closes. This comes after Mateta took Crystal Palace to court to dispute a one-year contract extension. A Premier League tribunal has now ruled that the striker is legally bound to honour his existing agreement.

Mateta's Contract Dispute

The future of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a subject of speculation for some time. Standard Sport reported this week that Mateta had initiated legal proceedings to challenge the validity of a one-year contract extension that the club activated in 2024. However, a Premier League tribunal subsequently determined that he is obligated to fulfil the terms of his contract.

Mateta was close to a move to AC Milan in January, but the transfer collapsed when he failed a medical examination due to a pre-existing knee injury. Aston Villa also had a bid for the player rejected this week. Despite the contractual uncertainty, Mateta was selected to start in Crystal Palace's Premier League opening match against Everton, playing just over an hour of the 2-0 defeat.

Sage expressed his belief that Mateta will remain in south London, emphasizing the player's commitment to the club. "I speak with him every day and, in front of me, I have a guy that is funny, happy to be here," Sage told reporters on Wednesday. "He gives his best in every session. I didn’t see a player who has a problem with the club or with us, that’s why he played the last game as a starter."

Sage added, "I think he (Mateta) will stay and, like I told you, he has the behaviour of someone who is happy to be here, who wants to be here and prepared to be here all season. I have no doubt about that." He also noted that Mateta had only trained for two weeks, indicating he was not yet in perfect condition.

Sarr's Injury and Contract Status

Manager Sage adopted a similar position when discussing the situation of Ismaila Sarr, who has reportedly attracted interest from clubs including Liverpool and Galatasaray. Sarr was absent from the match against Everton due to injury and is currently undergoing individual training. Sage attributed this to a groin problem, rather than any transfer speculation.

When questioned about the possibility of Sarr leaving Palace before the transfer deadline, Sage stated, "When you have three years on the contract, it is not easy to leave." He confirmed Sarr's current training status, adding, "Ismaila Sarr is in individual training because he is really in pain with his groin. But we prepare him, he needs time."