(Credit: Imago)
Sun 20 July 2025 10:04, UK
Liverpool are now unlikely to pursue a move to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as they close in on signing Hugo Ekitike.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about Arne Slot’s pursuit of a striker and the names at the top of his shortlist.
Liverpool held talks with Mateta’s representatives in Paris in the last week as they planned to explore a number of options up front, but their interest has gone no further.
This comes after former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Liverpool could make a late move for Mateta should they miss out on other targets.
Instead, the Reds are now making progress towards signing Ekitike. Sources have told Football Insider they have submitted an offer worth £78million, with add-ons being discussed.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 July that Liverpool are pushing to sign a star striker with Isak their priority followed by Ekitike.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to Liverpool. (Credit: Imago)
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Liverpool make Mateta decision as Crystal Palace stance revealed
Brown told Football Insider last month that Palace are confident of keeping Mateta alongside a number of his teammates who have also been linked with moves.
The striker has become a key part of Oliver Glasner’s plans and played an important role in their historic FA Cup victory against Man City last season.
O’Rourke explained that while talks were held with Liverpool, Mateta’s agent has made their interest public to drum up attention from other interested clubs.
“I don’t think he’s at the top of Liverpool’s priority list,” he told Football Insider.
“Like all the big clubs, you have to have contingency plans in place and if you’re not able to land your top targets, you have to move down that list.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta is further down that list at Liverpool and at some other clubs as well.
“He had a great season for Palace last season, there’s no getting away from that.
“With 17 goals in all competitions, he obviously played a key role in them winning the FA Cup.
“We know Liverpool are in the market for a striker, that’s why there are talks about Isak and Ekitike.
“I think his agent has put that out there to get a bit of interest in Mateta from other clubs, with the likes of AC Milan and Man United interested.”
Arne Slot has enjoyed a busy transfer window so far. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)Arne Slot makes Ibrahima Konate exit decision at Anfield
Incoming deals have not been the only focus at Anfield this summer, with focus also on a number of first-team players who could leave, including Ibrahima Konate.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Liverpool will demand £40million for Konate this summer despite failed attempts to tie him down to a new contract.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in May that Real Madrid are “very interested” in signing Konate following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Los Blancos.
While the Reds are determined not to lose more players on free transfers, they are also unwilling to accept cut-price offers, leaving them in a difficult situation.
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