Chelsea Complete £52m Signing of Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea sign France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m on a long-term deal until 2032, strengthening their defense under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have completed the signing of France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52m.
The 26-year-old centre-back has agreed a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. He arrives with seven senior appearances for France.
Lacroix spent two seasons at Crystal Palace after joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2024. The Eagles initially paid £15.5m for the defender, who soon became a key part of Oliver Glasner’s team.
He played 55 matches across all competitions during his time at Selhurst Park. Lacroix also helped Palace win the UEFA Conference League, securing the first major European trophy in the club’s history.
His performances earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. He featured three times during the tournament, including in the third-place play-off against England. France eventually finished fourth.
Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s third arrival of the summer following the signings of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra. The Blues are rebuilding their squad ahead of their first campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have also welcomed Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha this month. Agreements for the two players were reached in 2025 before their transfers officially went through this summer.
More additions could follow. Chelsea are reportedly holding talks over potential moves for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.
