Chelsea Signs Maxence Lacroix for £52 Million Deal

Chelsea Football Club signed French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on Thursday in a deal valued at £52 million ($69 million). Lacroix, 26 years old, has agreed to a six-year contract and will join the team for their pre-season preparations.

He has earned seven caps for the French national team and participated in the recent World Cup. Lacroix expressed his happiness about joining Chelsea, acknowledging the club's legendary status and tradition of winning.

He stated, “When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club. We want to win.” Lacroix made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace after transferring from Wolfsburg in 2024, and he is eager to contribute to Chelsea's ambitions of lifting trophies.