Crystal Palace are weighing up their options in attack as speculation continues to gather pace around the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The south London club are understood to be assessing potential successors, and attention has reportedly turned toward a rising Manchester City forward whose loan spell in the Championship has attracted widespread praise.
Mateta has been central to Palace’s progress over recent seasons, becoming a fan favourite and a dependable presence in front of goal since arriving from Mainz in 2021.
His productivity has been steady and often decisive, with 55 goals across 174 appearances in all competitions.
The 2024–25 campaign, during which the Eagles lifted the FA Cup and secured European qualification, further cemented his standing at Selhurst Park.
During that memorable season, he struck 17 times and played a prominent part in shaping a modern high point in the club’s history.
This season has seen the French striker remain a vital figure under Oliver Glasner. He leads Palace’s scoring charts again, having found the net nine times across 22 outings in all competitions.
His most recent goal came from the penalty spot in Sunday’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League.
As a result of this, talk around his future has intensified. Interest has emerged from both within the Premier League and from overseas teams exploring the possibility of a summer move.
Journalist Alex Nixon has reported that Crystal Palace are interested in Divin Mubama and their scouts have been closely observing Manchester City youngster, a player whose form at Stoke City this season has placed him firmly on the radar of several top-flight clubs.
The youngster has flourished under Mark Robins at Stoke, establishing himself as the side’s leading striker in their push for promotion.
He has contributed five goals in 18 league matches, with only Sorba Thomas bettering his tally for the Potters.
Mubama announced himself emphatically in early November, delivering a standout performance that included a hat-trick and an assist in Stoke’s 5–1 win over Bristol City.
His progress has not been confined to club football. Mubama has been a consistent scorer for England’s Under-21 side, netting five goals in five appearances during the 2025 European Championship qualifying campaign.
His upward trajectory reflects both his physical development and his growing reputation as one of the country’s most promising emerging forwards.
Manchester City sanctioned a season-long loan in the summer, viewing regular first-team action as essential in his development—an opportunity unlikely to be readily available at the Etihad, where Erling Haaland’s place at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s attack is firmly established.
Mubama arrived at City from West Ham United in August 2024 after a £2m compensation agreement was reached between the clubs following the expiry of his contract at the London Stadium.
Initially, he was placed into City’s Elite Development Squad, where he delivered an excellent 2024–25 Premier League 2 campaign.
He registered 10 goals and four assists during the league phase and then added a remarkable six goals in four playoff fixtures to help City secure the title.
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His performances earned him regular opportunities to train with Guardiola’s first-team players. He even made a striking senior debut in January, scoring in City’s emphatic 8–0 FA Cup third-round win over Salford City.
Should Stoke achieve promotion this season, they are expected to make a great effort to keep Mubama beyond the current campaign.
However, with the report that Crystal Palace are interested in Divin Mubama and the appeal of regular Premier League football he might join another club.
Palace, who may themselves be preparing for another European run—could prove a compelling factor if Manchester City are unable to provide a clear pathway into their senior squad.
It is within this context that Palace’s interest appears to have taken shape.
Glasner has been open about wanting to strengthen his attacking options when the January transfer window opens, and Mubama fits the profile of a powerful, energetic and developmental forward capable of adapting to Palace’s fast-paced system.