Crystal Palace eye move for Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima

Crystal Palace are eyeing Augsburg centre-half Chrislain Matsima, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Palace boss Pierre Sage could use another centre-back in his ranks. The Eagles need a new defender this summer with Maxence Lacroix potentially leaving.

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Crystal Palace have now turned to Matsima, who caught the eye in the Bundesliga last term.

He won 74 percent of his aerial and 56% of his ground duels across 18 league appearances, earning admiration from the South London outfit.

Matsima contributed a goal and an assist, helping the German side keep two clean sheets as they finished ninth on the league table.

During the 2024/25 season, which he spent on loan with the club before Augsburg made the move permanent, only four defenders won more aerial duels than Matsima.

He was the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season in January and March that season. The 6ft3in defender is ‘quick across the ground and incredibly strong.’

The 24-year-old looks every inch a fantastic pick-up for Crystal Palace if they can land him this summer. 

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A former France Under-21 international captain, he brings the leadership and organisation that the Eagles have missed since Marc Guehi left.

However, Palace will need to move quickly if they are serious about landing Matsima, as Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.

Speaking of acting quickly, the Eagles need to pick up the pace in the summer transfer window after bungling opportunities to strengthen the squad for Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian tactician eventually grew frustrated with the hierarchy’s sluggish behaviour, and they need to avoid the same phenomenon recurring under Sage.

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Matsima fits the profile of a defender capable of thriving in the Premier League, but Crystal Palace cannot afford another slow pursuit.

If Sage wants the foundations for long-term success, the club’s hierarchy must back him decisively before bigger rivals enter the race.