Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi aren’t the only Crystal Palace stars Liverpool want

Liverpool’s quest for a lethal centre-forward this summer stems from one glaring reality: Darwin Núñez has failed spectacularly. The Reds are scrambling for solutions. Names like Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have dominated talk, but Liverpool’s scouting network has thrown a curveball. Recent reports reveal that Jean‑Philippe Mateta—the journeyman forward who helped Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup—is on Liverpool’s radar. It’s an unexpected twist, one that perfectly showcases Liverpool’s evolving strategy.

Liverpool eye Mateta in Paris

Liverpool’s recruitment team have reportedly met with Jean‑Philippe Mateta and his agents in Paris. Mateta, 27, wasn’t exactly a headline name at the start of the season. But his 14 goals and 3 assists in 37 Premier League appearances, paired with 3 FA Cup goals, represents a strong campaign for Palace. It explains why Liverpool felt compelled to investigate further—not necessarily to sign him, but to fully explore their options in a turbulent transfer market.

Real Interest

Foot Mercato’s Sébastien Denis and Dahbia Hattabi report that Liverpool’s interest in Mateta is real, but caution that he is viewed more as backup firepower, not the marquee striker the Reds crave. His experience and physical presence are appealing. Yet at 27, and with a resume as seasoned as his, Mateta doesn’t represent a long-term upgrade over Núñez.

The Palace trio Liverpool now covet

Let’s break down why Mateta is only the tip of the iceberg.

Jean‑Philippe Mateta
A robust centre forward with strong hold-up play and a nose for the box, Mateta has enjoyed his best season yet. His tally places him among the top 10 per 90 scorers in the division . His FA Cup contributions show he thrives on big occasions. But his profile screams squad option, not the figure Liverpool need to spearhead a top-four campaign.

Eberechi Eze
At 26, Eze has become Palace’s heartbeat—73 key passes and 21 goal involvements last season . His creativity, dribbling, and ability to unlock defences would thoroughly complement Liverpool’s front three. He’s not a striker, but he is the type of attacking dynamism Klopp craves. Imagining him feeding Salah and Diaz is a mouth-watering prospect.

Marc Guehi
Defensively solid, commanding in the air, and only 24, Guehi has been earmarked as Liverpool’s primary defensive target. Reports suggest Liverpool are preparing a £40m ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ bid, and that Guehi is keen on Anfield . His leadership and composure would shore up a defence that has looked vulnerable at times. Losing Núñez may hurt, but adding a defender of Guehi’s calibre would be a far more convincing upgrade.

Why Mateta isn’t enough

Mateta’s form is useful, but Liverpool need ambition, longevity, ceiling. At 28 he offers utility, not upside. He cannot replace Núñez’s profile—pace, angle of runs, dynamism. Signing Mateta would feel like settling. By contrast, Eze and Guehi offer transformative qualities that align with Liverpool’s ambition.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s meeting with Mateta’s camp signals thoroughness. They aren’t taking shortcuts. But it’s clear from Foot Mercato that Mateta is a backup plan, not a marquee move . What excites are the top-tier signals—Eberechi Eze bringing flair and creativity, and Marc Guehi reinforcing the spine of the squad.

If Liverpool land Guehi and inch closer on Eze, their summer will have been a triumph. And while Mateta’s name will be on the list, it’s the