Premier League giants Chelsea complete transfer of Lacroix from Crystal Palace in £52 million deal

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Chelsea have completed the signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52 million.

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BBC Sport on Thursday reports that the 26-year-old centre-back has signed a contract with the Blues until 2032, becoming the club’s third arrival of the summer transfer window.

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Lacroix, who has earned seven caps for France, joined Crystal Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million and quickly became an important figure under manager Oliver Glasner.

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The defender made 55 appearances in all competitions last season as Palace won the UEFA Conference League, securing the club’s first major European trophy.

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He also featured three times for France at the 2026 World Cup, including the third-place play-off against England, as Les Bleus finished fourth.

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Lacroix joins Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra as Chelsea’s summer signings as the club prepares for its first season under new manager Xabi Alonso.

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Chelsea identified the Frenchman as a priority target after concerns over their defensive performances and the need to add more physicality and leadership to their backline.

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Although other defenders, including former Manchester City centre-back John Stones and Como’s Jacopo Ramon, were considered, Lacroix emerged as Chelsea’s preferred option.

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Negotiations between Chelsea and Crystal Palace over the transfer fee and personal terms took time, but Lacroix approved the move after France’s World Cup campaign ended.

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His arrival reflects Chelsea’s changing transfer strategy after a disappointing season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League and ended without a trophy.

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Co-owner Behdad Eghbali had previously indicated that the club would adjust its approach by adding more experience to a squad built around young talents such as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill.

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Lacroix becomes the oldest player signed by Chelsea under the current ownership group, highlighting the club’s decision to bring in more established players.

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The Blues had also explored a move for Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, although that deal did not materialise.

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Alongside Morgan Rogers, who recently turned 24, Lacroix’s arrival fulfils Chelsea’s plan to add more ready-made players ahead of the new campaign.

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