Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has expressed confidence that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will remain at the club through the end of the transfer window, even as a legal dispute over his contract continues to simmer.

Mateta and his legal team have contested the validity of a one-year contract extension that Crystal Palace triggered in 2024, arguing that the clause was unenforceable and that he should be considered a free agent. However, both a Premier League tribunal and FIFA have ruled that Mateta remains bound by his deal with the Eagles until June 2027.

Sage backs his striker

Speaking on the club's official website, Sage painted a picture of a player fully engaged with the squad — far removed from the image of a disgruntled footballer seeking the exit door.