Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has stated he expects striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to remain with the club beyond the transfer window, despite an ongoing legal dispute over his contract. Sage also refuted reports that player Ismaila Sarr is refusing to train.
Palace and Mateta are involved in a legal disagreement concerning the enforceability of a one-year contract extension that the club activated last season. The matter was heard by a Premier League tribunal at the conclusion of the previous season, and Mateta's representatives subsequently took the case to FIFA, which determined it was outside its jurisdiction.
Sage indicated that he has daily conversations with Mateta and perceives no issues with his commitment. "In front of me, I have a guy that is funny, happy to be here," Sage said. "He gives his best in every session. I didn’t see a player who has a problem with the club or with us, that’s why he played the last game as a starter."
He added, "I think he (Mateta) will stay and, like I told you, he has the behaviour of someone who is happy to be here, who wants to be here and prepared to be here all season. That’s why I understand your question, but I have no doubt about that. He prefers football to his contract. When you love to play, you play."
Regarding Ismaila Sarr, who has been linked with Galatasaray and has reportedly not trained since the Turkish club's bid exceeding £30 million was rejected, Sage clarified the situation. Sarr was absent from Palace's recent squad against Everton, with Sage attributing it to a groin injury, contrary to Turkish media suggestions of a training refusal.
"For the moment, yeah [he will remain at Palace]," Sage responded when asked about Sarr's future. "Because when you have three years on the contract, it is not easy to leave."
Liverpool has also reportedly expressed interest in Sarr before the upcoming transfer deadline, though a move is currently considered unlikely. Crystal Palace has indicated that Sarr, who has three years remaining on his contract, is not for sale, although his camp is reportedly open to a transfer. A valuation of £60 million has been suggested.
Sage emphasized that Sarr's unavailability for Friday's match against Manchester City is due to injury. "Ismaila Sarr is in individual training because he is really in pain with his groin. But we prepare him, he needs time. I thought it would be quicker, but I am not a doctor. That is why I wait for him and we prepare for him to come back with us. No chance (he plays against City)," Sage stated.
He acknowledged the difficulty players face during the transfer window. "I understand that for everybody to have this kind of contact is difficult, because you hesitate a lot. But for the moment, he is with us. He is under contract. He is injured and maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation. But for me, he is honest and I have no problem with that. I spoke with him this morning about that, yesterday about that, too. And we just want him on the pitch."
Sage concluded, "All the rest is for the other people. Football is like this now, we know when it is the transfer window that there is a lot of noise, a lot of stuff for the player. Maybe some of them are not really comfortable with this situation - and their agent, too, their family. That’s why it is not really a good period when you are inside in a club, but you know when it is finished we will only be concerned with our performances. We just have to wait for that. It’s always difficult for a player when your name is associated with a club like Liverpool. For the moment, the most important thing is to understand the player is not able to play and is in treatment, and what happens with his potential future is really far from me."