Maxence Lacroix Joins Chelsea From Crystal Palace in £52m Transfer

Chelsea has completed all the legal formalities to rope in Maxence Lacroix, the defender from Crystal Palace for a fee of £52 million. The French international has agreed to a deal to stay with The Blues until 2032, the Premier League Club announced on Thursday.

In an official statement posted on the club’s website, Chelsea wrote, “Lacroix arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of being among European football’s most commanding center-backs, as well as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League.”

The 26-year-old international star from France made 55 appearances in the previous season, and contributed three goals and three assists for Palace as they won the UEFA Conference League defeating Rayo Vallecano in the final by 1-0.

Lacroix started his career at the Sochaux’ academy, where he made 28 senior appearances, before eventually moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2020. Crystal Palace then signed him in 2024 for a reported £18 million fee. For Palace, Lacroix has made 98 appearances across two seasons under Oliver Glasner.

He was also part of France’s World Cup squad that concluded recently and he featured in three matches as his team finished fourth after losing their semi-final match to the current World Champions Spain. In their third-place play-off, France was beaten 6-4 in a thrilling match.

The Blues have already spent big bucks this season on signing new talent. Earlier, they signed Morgan Rogers for £117 million from Aston Villa. Rogers, who starred at the World Cup for England is now the most expensive British player ever, surpassing the previous mark set by Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City for £116 million just a couple of weeks before his signing.

Chelsea’s new boss, Xabi Alonso is also very keen to add some experience to his team as they prepare for the new season ahead. Reports suggest that Danny Welbeck, the 35-year-old striker is also set to join the club on a two-year deal from Brighton.

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson is also closing in on a free transfer to Stampford Bridge. The 36-year-old midfielder from Brentford had his contract terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday, and he is expected to complete the move to Chelsea imminently.