FC Augsburg have rejected an improved bid worth €25 million from Crystal Palace for French centre-back Chrislain Matsima. The Bundesliga club dismissed the fresh approach on Sunday morning, maintaining that any deal must surpass their existing transfer benchmark of €26 million.
The Bavarians received the written offer on Saturday evening but remain unwilling to negotiate below their asking price. Augsburg are determined to exceed the €26 million fee Chelsea paid for Abdul Rahman Baba in 2015, meaning Crystal Palace would need to submit a third proposal to secure the 24-year-old.
Palace seek Lacroix replacement
The South London club’s urgency stems from the imminent departure of Maxence Lacroix, who is set to join Chelsea for approximately £52 million. The French international is scheduled to undergo his medical at Stamford Bridge, leaving the UEFA Conference League winners with a pressing need to reinforce their defence before the Premier League campaign begins.
Matsima has already agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace and is keen to establish himself in English football. However, the defender remains under contract in Germany, where he permanently joined Augsburg from Monaco last summer for just €5 million. After a serious injury caused him to miss 15 matches last season, he returned to play a key role as the club secured one of their best-ever Bundesliga finishes.
Valuation gap remains
The Monaco academy graduate would represent a substantial profit for Augsburg if sold, yet the German side view the €25 million offer as insufficient compensation for losing a central figure. Having previously rejected a €20 million bid from Palace, Augsburg’s firm stance suggests further negotiation will be necessary to bridge the valuation gap.
Crystal Palace are working to complete incoming transfers before the season commences. Whether they submit an improved offer that meets Augsburg’s record-breaking demands will determine if the deal progresses.