Three experts warned AC Milan against signing Eagles star

AC Milan’s dramatic deadline-day move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta collapsed after serious medical concerns emerged late in the process.

Reports from Italy now reveal that multiple medical opinions played a decisive role in halting the deal for the Frenchman.

Mateta was one of the standout names linked with Milan on the final day of the January transfer window. The Rossoneri had agreed a fee with Crystal Palace believed to be around €35 million, and the Premier League club authorised the French striker to undergo his medical ahead of a proposed move to Serie A.

On the pitch, the deal made sense, with Mateta registering 10 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.

However, the transfer unraveled after medical checks raised red flags. Concerns were centred on Mateta’s knee, with fears that surgery would be required, followed by a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Italian reports claim Milan were advised by three separate medical experts not to proceed with the signing due to the risks involved.

While both Milan and Palace were aware from the outset that the deal could collapse on medical grounds, the strength of the warnings ultimately proved decisive.

Crystal Palace are understood to have been transparent throughout the process, supplying Milan with detailed medical records related to Mateta’s condition.

The South London club also knew that if the transfer failed for medical reasons, the striker’s availability would remain uncertain. That context explains Palace’s decision to press ahead with the signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth around €50 million.

Mateta has since opted to undergo surgery on his knee, a decision that is expected to rule him out for approximately three to four months.

The outcome leaves Milan without their intended attacking reinforcement and Palace managing the fallout of a collapsed high-profile transfer. What looked set to be one of deadline day’s biggest moves instead ended as a cautionary tale, shaped by medical advice and long-term risk rather than transfer-market momentum.