Chelsea have completed the signing of France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52 million, strengthening their defence ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 26-year-old centre-back signed a contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032, becoming Chelsea’s third signing of the summer transfer window.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million and quickly established himself as one of the club’s key defenders under manager Oliver Glasner.
He made 55 appearances across all competitions last season and played a vital role as Palace won the UEFA Conference League, securing the club’s first major European trophy.
The French defender also represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making three appearances, including the third-place playoff against England, as France finished fourth.
Lacroix joins Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra as Chelsea’s latest additions as the club prepares for its first campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea reportedly identified the defender as a priority target after seeking to strengthen their backline with more leadership, experience and physical presence.
Although the club considered other defensive options, including John Stones and Como defender Jacopo Ramon, Lacroix eventually emerged as Chelsea’s preferred choice.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Crystal Palace took several weeks before both clubs agreed on a transfer fee, while the player approved the move after completing his World Cup duties with France.
His arrival also signals a shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy following a disappointing campaign that saw the club finish 10th in the Premier League without winning a trophy.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali had previously indicated that the club would focus on adding more experienced players to complement younger stars such as Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo and Levi Colwill.
At 26, Lacroix becomes the oldest player signed by Chelsea under the club’s current ownership, underlining the Blues’ new approach to squad building ahead of the upcoming season.
Source: BBC Sport.
