Crystal Palace in Advanced Talks for Augsburg Defender Matsima

Crystal Palace have stepped up negotiations with Augsburg over the signing of central defender Chrislene Matsima, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The London club is preparing for the potential departure of Maxence Lacroix and has identified the 24-year-old Frenchman as a prime replacement. Matsima joined Augsburg in August 2024 and has since made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists over two campaigns. Monaco sold Matsima to the Bundesliga side two years ago for €5 million. His current valuation has climbed to €22 million, and he remains under contract with Augsburg until June 2030. Interestingly, Lacroix himself arrived at Selhurst Park from the Bundesliga, having previously played for Wolfsburg.