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Exclusive: Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier Identified by Crystal Palace as Jean-Philippe Mateta Replacement

Crystal Palace have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier as their top target to replace Jean-Philippe Mateta, should he leave in January. The Premier League side are reportedly willing to meet Dortmund’s €60 million valuation, highlighting just how highly they rate the 23-year-old German forward.

Ekrem Konur
Ekrem Konur

Last updated: 2026-01-22

Louis Hobbs

3 minutes read

Borussia Dortmund v 1. FC Köln - Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund v 1. FC Köln - Bundesliga by Christof Koepsel | Getty Images

The January transfer window is heating up and German star Maximilian Beier is at the centre of the storm. 

Borussia Dortmund’s 23-year-old forward has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs with his consistent form and clinical finishing, but Dortmund have made it clear he is untouchable this winter.

Crystal Palace have emerged as a leading suitor and are reportedly ready to spend on Beier as a direct replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta if he leaves in January.

Dortmund stand firm

In recent weeks, English clubs have made formal enquiries about Beier, but the Borussia Dortmund board has rejected all approaches. 

The German international is seen as a key part of the club’s long-term sporting project and is officially off-limits for mid-season negotiations. With Dortmund pushing for the Bundesliga title and preparing for the Champions League knockout stages, the club is unwilling to disrupt the squad. 

Sources close to the club insist even offers in the €60 million range will not be enough to tempt them. Beier’s contract runs until 2029, giving Dortmund full control over any future sale.

Premier League interest continues

Despite Dortmund’s stance, Premier League interest in Beier shows no signs of slowing. West Ham, Everton and Brentford are all interested, but no formal approach has been made.

Crystal Palace see Beier as Mateta replacement

The latest twist comes from Crystal Palace, who have identified Beier as their number one target if they are forced to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta amid interest from Juventus and Aston Villa.

Sources reveal the Eagles would be willing to spend the €60 million earmarked to secure Beier as a direct replacement, highlighting just how highly he is rated across the Premier League.

In other Crystal Palace news, the board are reportedly confident they can convince former England boss Gareth Southgate to return to club management, following Oliver Glasner’s shock announcement that he will be leaving the club.

For now, Beier remains focused on success at Signal Iduna Park. 

Dortmund are confident his market value will continue to rise and any potential move will likely be considered in the summer of 2026, with a premium, record-breaking fee expected.

Ekrem Konur
Ekrem KonurFootball Transfer Specialist

Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.