🚨 DONE DEAL: Nottingham Forest have agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace to sign the French striker on a four-year contract. He is set to join the club when the January transfer window opens.

Forest Land Mateta: Nottingham Forest Agree £35M Deal for Crystal Palace Striker

NOTTINGHAM, England — Nottingham Forest have struck a major breakthrough ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window, agreeing to a £35 million deal with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace for French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The 29-year-old forward has agreed to terms on a four-year contract at the City Ground and is officially scheduled to join the club once the January transfer window opens.

The agreement caps off months of persistent interest from Forest, who have sought a proven, focal-point centerpiece to reinforce their attacking unit. Mateta, who has been a standout presence at Selhurst Park since making his move permanent from Mainz 05 in 2022, expressed a desire for a new challenge, leading Palace to negotiate a structure that satisfies their valuation.

A Major Statement of Intent at the City Ground

The acquisition of Mateta marks one of Nottingham Forest’s most significant mid-season investments. Known for his physical presence, clinical finishing in the penalty area, and aerial dominance, the Frenchman brings substantial Premier League experience to Trentside.

Forest’s hierarchy prioritized securing a proven goalscorer capable of making an immediate impact without requiring a lengthy adaptation period. Having tallied double-digit campaigns in south London and played a key role in Palace’s domestic cup runs, Mateta profile fits precisely what Forest sought to upgrade their front line.

> “Mateta provides a combination of size, hold-up play, and top-flight scoring instinct that elevates the entire frontline,” noted key observers surrounding the deal.

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Key Player Profile & Career Stats

| Attribute / Metric | Detail |

|—|—|

| Player Name | Jean-Philippe Mateta 🇫🇷 |

| Age | 29 |

| Position | Centre-Forward |

| Agreed Transfer Fee | £35 Million |

| Contract Duration | 4 Years |

| Previous Club | Crystal Palace (2021–Present) |

| Notable Achievements | FA Cup Winner, Community Shield Winner, France Int. |

How Mateta Fits Into Nottingham Forest

The arrival of the French forward offers Forest added tactical versatility. Operating primarily as a traditional number nine, Mateta excels at holding up the ball under pressure, drawing centre-backs out of position, and creating space for rapid wingers on the break.

* Physicality & Hold-Up Play: Mateta’s ability to link play allows Forest to transition efficiently from defensive blocks into direct counter-attacks.

* Box Presence: His movement in the six-yard box provides a lethal aerial target for crosses and set-piece routines.

* Squad Depth: The signing adds crucial competition to the attacking rotation alongside existing options like Taiwo Awoniyi and Igor Jesus as Forest navigate domestic and European fixtures.

With personal terms settled and the £35 million package agreed upon between both clubs, Mateta will complete formal medical checks before officially being registered when the January window opens.