Villa explore Mateta as Abraham negotiations turn “complex”
Aston Villa have expressed interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta as Unai Emery weighs striker options during a tricky January window. Reports say Villa are studying the 28-year-old amid complex negotiations over Tammy Abraham’s situation at Besiktas, while Crystal Palace are simultaneously evaluating a potential move for Villa forward Evann Guessand.
Villa’s need for forward depth has sharpened after Donyell Malen’s move to Roma, leaving Emery looking for another reliable No. 9 option.
The Abraham update: agreement reached, but Besiktas loan is the obstacle
The second strand of Villa’s striker search is Tammy Abraham. The latest information suggests Abraham has agreed to join Aston Villa, with Roma prepared to sanction his exit, and that parties are working on terminating Abraham’s Beşiktaş loan, described as the most complicated part of the negotiations.
The complication is structural, not just sporting. Abraham joined Beşiktaş on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy, so any early exit requires agreement on how that clause is handled.
Agency focus: ROOF steering Abraham
Abraham is represented by ROOF (Representatives of Outstanding Footballers), a major European agency. ROOF has been integrated into a wider global platform after being acquired by United Talent Agency (UTA), strengthening its reach across elite-level football negotiations.
The agency represents some top players such as Kai Havertz, Sadio Mane or Virgil Van Dijk. You can find out more the agency in our article: Inside ROOF - interview with Thorsten Wirth.
Agency focus: Paul Latouche and Latouche Avocats advising Mateta
Mateta is represented by Maître Paul Latouche, a Paris-based lawyer and licensed “mandataire sportif” operating through Latouche Avocats, combining sports-law expertise with player representation. It’s a legal-led, boutique model that often becomes influential in cross-border negotiations and contract structuring.
