Crystal Palace’s new Wilfried Zaha could end Mateta’s career at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace are in trouble in the Premier League, having sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January and now losing Maxence Lacroix for the upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Lacroix was adjudged to have denied Matheus Cunha’s clear goal-scoring opportunity at Old Trafford, but there’s no denying that the Eagles have problems all over the park, with an equally strong attack at the moment.

Oliver Glasner’s side are a long way from their abysmal 2025 form, but they have the potential to complete the title win in place of the Austrian coach.

However, for the club to be successful in the long term, they will need to find a new talisman, especially with Jean-Philippe Mateta leaving the club.

Why Palace still need a replacement for Mateta

Mateta’s move to AC Milan was hampered by poor health. The French player has been playing through injuries.

The 28-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout strikers in recent years, but has already been replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen and will leave this summer, having made it clear his desire for a new challenge.

Strand Larsen, 25, is a powerful striker, but Palace need more, someone who is dynamic and inspirational.

The departures of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze in recent years have created holes in the club’s attacking fabric, but none more so than Wilfried Zaha, who has risen through the ranks and confirmed his position as their main player.

Having lost a number of key figures, it would be great if chairman Steve Parish could ensure that strategy is repeated.

Easier said than done, but Glasner could find a talented young player to let Mateta go, and he could be London’s new version of Zaha.

Glasner could get Palace’s new Zaha

Crystal Palace have long ensured that their youth connections are strong. Given the changes going on right now, the next star will be well received indeed.

And while Glasner leaves this summer, he could find an exciting new striker in Ben Casey, with the 17-year-old’s performances already suggesting he has what it takes to make his mark in the first team.

There have already been two top players to his name (in the FA Cup and the Conference League), Casey has also been named on the bench as a substitute player twice in the Premier League.

In the U18 Premier League, the versatile striker has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in just 10 appearances. He has scored three goals in as many games in the FA Youth Cup.

Praised for his “frighteningly good” movement and “unstoppable” attacking quality at youth level by journalist Bence Bocsak, Casey has all the attributes to thrive at the highest level – and has the confidence to match.

With such intelligence and swagger, Casey really could be the club’s new Zaha, his technical ability backed by unparalleled confidence.

Furthermore, an increased role in the business months of 2025/26 could see him replace Mateta, reducing frustration with the powerful striker’s impending departure.

The Palace has always boasted talismanic figures. Guehi, when he was in midfield, had a reputation for competing with the likes of Zaha.

Strand Larsen is an interesting attacking position, but he will need support if Mateta leaves, as is likely, at the end of the season. And in Casey, Selhurst Park could find its latest home hero to lead the club’s next chapter.

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