Chelsea have finalized the signing of French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old has committed to a six-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. The move follows a successful tenure at the Eagles, where Lacroix established himself as a key defensive figure.
During his time at Crystal Palace, Lacroix made 98 appearances across all competitions, recording four goals and four assists. His impact was particularly notable during the 2024-25 season, where he played a central role in the club's FA Cup triumph, starting five matches including the 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final. Additionally, he made 55 appearances last season, helping the club secure the Uefa Conference League title.
Lacroix’s career began at the French side Sochaux, where he developed through the academy and made 28 senior appearances before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2020. His consistent performances in Germany led to an £18 million transfer to Crystal Palace in 2024. On the international stage, Lacroix was a member of France’s World Cup squad this summer, featuring in three games as the team finished fourth following a defeat to England in the third-place play-off.
The defender has expressed his enthusiasm for the move, describing Chelsea as the "best club in the world." The transfer is part of a busy period for Chelsea, who recently completed a British record £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Under the direction of new manager Xabi Alonso, the club is reportedly pursuing further additions, with potential deals for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson currently in progress.
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