Crystal Palace have completed the permanent signing of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The striker, who originally joined on loan from Mainz in January last year, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.
Mateta's initial loan included an option to buy for around £13million after a certain amount of starts. Given that number was not going to be hit, Palace negotiated Mainz down to a fee of £8million this month.
The 24-year-old had been one that could have left the club at the start of the window but an upturn in form saw the Eagles change their minds.
Mateta said: “I’m happy. I want to say thank you to the gaffer [Patrick Vieira], he trusted in me. And [thank you to] Dougie [Freedman], the chairman [Steve Parish] and the team and the fans also, and my family.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “We are delighted to secure the long-term future of Jean-Philippe. Coming to a new country, a new team and a new league is not easy and JP worked incredibly hard to get and then take his opportunities.
“He really has shown the aptitude, attitude and dedication we look for along with his natural footballing ability. I’m looking forward to seeing much more of him in a Palace shirt.”
