Chelsea have bolstered their defence with the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a £52 million deal. The France international, 26, has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032, the Premier League club announced today.
In a statement on their website, Chelsea described Lacroix as "among European football’s most commanding centre-backs, as well as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League." Last season, Lacroix made 55 appearances for Palace, contributing three goals and three assists as the club clinched the UEFA Conference League title.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace in 2024 for a reported £18 million, making 98 appearances across two seasons. He also featured in three matches for France in this summer's World Cup squad.
This signing follows Chelsea's recent £117 million acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is also reportedly looking to add experience, with Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson also linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.