Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Chrislain Matsima from FC Augsburg this summer, according to FussballTransfers. The Premier League club has reportedly reached a total agreement with the 24-year-old defender, with negotiations between Palace and Augsburg progressing well.
The potential move comes as Crystal Palace prepare for the departure of Maxence Lacroix, who is set to join Chelsea for a fee exceeding €60 million. The impending sale of Lacroix has prompted new Palace manager Pierre Sage to seek an immediate replacement in central defence.
Matsima joined Augsburg from AS Monaco two summers ago and has since become a key figure in the Bundesliga side, making 48 appearances. He played a particularly important role during the recent Bundesliga campaign, stepping up in the absence of injured and suspended teammates Jeffrey Gouweleeuw and Keven Schlotterbeck. The Frenchman is a former youth international, representing his country at various levels.
Augsburg are expected to demand a significant transfer fee for Matsima, whose contract with the club runs until 2030. The Bundesliga outfit will likely seek a fee comparable to the €26 million received from Chelsea for Abdul Rahman Baba in 2014, which remains the club’s record departure. The transfer would provide Palace with a young, established centre-back as they look to solidify their defensive options ahead of the new season, while also providing Matsima with the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.
This move signifies Palace’s intent to invest in their squad following the appointment of Sage, and to quickly address the gap left by Lacroix’s departure. Augsburg, meanwhile, will be looking to reinvest the funds from Matsima’s sale into strengthening their own team.
