Chrislain Matsima: Crystal Palace eye new centre-back target amid Maxence Lacroix exit fear

Standard Sport understands that while there have been no club-to-club talks, Matsima is one of a number of centre-back options under consideration.Matsima, who is under contract until 2030, was an integral part of Augsburg’s defence last season before suffering a tendon tear, which kept him out for four months.The 24-year-old made one appearance for Thierry Henry’s France side in the final of the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. That squad featured current Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Chrislain Matsima (back row, second from left) won an Olympic silver medal in a France team featuring Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Jean-Philippe MatetaAFP via Getty ImagesNoted for his strength, size and speed, Matsima joined Augsburg permanently from Monaco in January 2025 after an initial loan spell.Palace are in the market for a centre-back as interest builds in France international Maxence Lacroix.Palace completed the signing of versatile defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer last week, with the 27-year-old penning a four-year contract to become new manager Pierre Sage’s first signing.It is expected to be a big summer for Palace following the arrival of Sage. It has been said that the Eagles have offered Mateta a new four-year deal, but these reports are understood to be wide of the mark.Palace will also not look to sign Evann Guessand on a permanent deal after their option to buy the on-loan Ivorian international expired.