Augsburg updates | Jeffrey Gouweleeuw may never feature for club again, Chrislain Matsima signs contract extension

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As Sandro Wagner’s FC Augsburg fight hard for points in the Bundesliga, there’s both good news and bad news with respect to the club’s central defensive corps. Speaking at the club’s general meeting yesterday, managing director Michael Ströll revealed that rock-solid central defender Chrislain Matsima signed a new long-term contract extension with the Fuggerstädter.

Unfortunately, one of the other club’s defensive pillars looks to be out until near the end of the season. Squad captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw’s latest injury setback led to the 34-year-old going under the knife last week. The Dutchman’s recent surgical procedure will – per the local Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung – sideline the skipper until the tail end of the current 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. 

Gouweleeuw, who sits on an expiring contract, may never feature for his long-time club again. Augsburg have struggled defensively this year under Wagner, conceding 24 goals in the league. Only last-placed Heidenheim (26 goals conceded) have a poorer defensive record. 

Amid some shaky performances in central defense from dipping Swiss centre-back Cedric Zesiger, young American prospect Noahkai Banks, oft-injured or suspended German defender Keven Schlotterbeck, and natural midfielder Kristijian Jakic, Matsima has at least proven to be a firm, stable, and consistent backbone. 

Signed permanently last January, has started all 13 of Augsburg’s competitive fixtures this year. The 23-year-old Frenchman has logged maximum minutes on all but one occasion; the second round DFB-Pokal loss against VfL Bochum. Matsima has scored one goal and contributed two assists in the league. 

Matsima’s estimated market value has skyrocketed up to €22m and there have been rumors that Augsburg were shopping by far the most valuable player on their squad for a transfer. The defender’s new contract – valid until 2030 – now likely means that the rising star will be remaining with the Bavarian Swabians.

GGFN | Peter Weis