Augsburg have turned down an opening €20m bid from Crystal Palace for defender Chrislain Matsima, with the Bundesliga club insisting the offer does not meet their valuation.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Palace have made the 24-year-old centre-back a priority target but saw their first proposal dismissed as insufficient by the German side.
The Premier League club, however, are not backing away from the pursuit and are already preparing an improved offer in an attempt to reach an agreement before the end of the summer transfer window.
Player agreement in place
While the two clubs remain apart on price, Matsima has already reached a full personal agreement with Crystal Palace.
The French-born defender, who is of Congolese origin, is keen to make the move to the Premier League and has signalled his desire to take on the challenge in England.
At Palace, Matsima is being lined up to succeed Maxence Lacroix, who is expected to leave for Chelsea. The London club view Matsima as the player to step into that role if a deal can be struck with Augsburg.
Long contract and valuation
Matsima is under contract with Augsburg until 30 June 2030, a long-term deal that strengthens the German club’s negotiating position as they seek a higher fee.
His market value is currently estimated at €22m by Transfermarkt, a figure closer to Augsburg’s expectations than Palace’s initial bid.
The rejection of the first offer sets the stage for further talks between the clubs, with negotiations anticipated to be intense as Palace attempt to bridge the gap.
Key phase of talks
With Matsima’s stance clear and Crystal Palace pushing to complete the transfer, the next steps in discussions are regarded as crucial.
Plettenberg reports that the coming hours could prove decisive, as Palace ready a second, increased offer aimed at persuading Augsburg to agree to a sale this summer.
For now, Augsburg are standing firm, but Palace’s determination and the player’s agreement with the English club suggest the situation could develop quickly as the window progresses.
