Three different experts warned Milan against Mateta signing

Reports in Italy claim that three different medical experts advised Milan against signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on the final day of the January transfer window. 

Among the biggest stories on deadline day was Milan’s attempted signing of Mateta, who has scored 10 goals from 34 appearances across all competitions for Crystal Palace this term. 

The Rossoneri agreed a fee with Crystal Palace, understood to be in the region of €35m, and the South London club gave the green light for the Frenchman to have his medical over the weekend. 

Palace have also brought in a replacement for Mateta in Jorgen Strand Larsen, who arrived in a deal worth around €50m from fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

However, Mateta’s move to Milan eventually fell through on the final day of the January transfer window. This was due to the fact that there were concerns surrounding the striker’s knee and fears that he would need surgery and then several months of recovery to amend the issue. 

According to Tuesday’s reports, Milan and Crystal Palace were always aware of the fact that there was a possibility of the Mateta deal falling through as a result of his physical condition. 

Crystal Palace were reportedly fully compliant with Milan, sending detailed medical reports of Mateta’s condition. However, Palace were also aware that if the Mateta deal fell through on medical grounds, he would be unlikely to be able continue playing for them either, which is why they went ahead with the Strand Larsen transfer anyway. 

According to reports in Italy, three different doctors recommended against Milan’s signing of Mateta, who now faces a spell of around three to four months on the sidelines after taking the decision to have surgery on his knee.