Chelsea have signed Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix in a move worth roughly £52m, bolstering new boss Xabi Alonso’s options at centre-back ahead of the new season.
The talk of the town. 📻 pic.twitter.com/Eix5531jhy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 30, 2026
The 26-year-old France international joins Stamford Bridge after two impressive seasons at Palace where he developed into a crucial part of the club’s defence.
According to BBC, Lacroix joined Palace from VfL Wolfsburg in 2024 and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League
The Blues had been watching Lacroix for weeks before agreeing a deal with Palace, with reports suggesting a final sum of around £52m.
Lacroix’s quickness, physicality and ability to defend one on one scenarios are likely to make him a crucial addition to Alonso’s squad.
He has also played in a three-man defensive formation having previously worked under Oliver Glasner at Palace.
The deal could spark more action in Chelsea’s defence with Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile among players whose futures have been the subject of conjecture.
Another huge defensive blow for Palace, who lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City
