Crystal Palace eye move for Chrislain Matsima to replace Maxence Lacroix as Chelsea interest grows | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are weighing up a potential move for Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima.

According to The Standard, Matsima has popped up on Palace’s radar as the club continues to assess their defensive options ahead of the new season.

Palace are yet to begin any formal negotiations with their Bundesliga counterparts.

However, the French defender is believed to be among several candidates being considered as the Eagles prepare for what could be a busy transfer window.

Palace’s interest in Matsima comes in response to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Maxence Lacroix. The Frenchman has been linked with Chelsea, although Palace haven’t received an official bid.

Lacroix still has three years left on his contract with Palace, placing the Eagles in a strong position to demand a significant fee for one of their prized assets.

If they cash in on Lacroix this summer, they could reinvest a fraction of the funds to sign Matsima.

Matsima’s physical qualities and experience have put him on Palace’s radar. The Eagles believe he’s well suited to the demands of Premier League football and his numbers could prove that point.

The 24-year-old had an impressive campaign with Augsburg last season. He was a key part of their backline until a tendon injury kept him out for around four months.

Despite that setback, his performances were enough to maintain interest from clubs looking to strengthen at the back.

Matsima made 18 Bundesliga appearances for Augsburg last season, bagging a goal and an assist.

He helped to keep two clean sheets and averaged 1.7 interceptions, 4.1 ball recoveries, and 5.1 clearances per 90 minutes.

The Frenchman was decent in ground battles, boasting a 56% success rate.

However, his towering 6ft3 frame made him nearly impossible to beat in the air, boasting an impressive 74% success rate in aerial battles.

Matsima only joined Augsburg on a permanent deal in January 2025 and still has four years left on his contract, so Palace will have their work cut out if they decide to pursue a move.