Chelsea Signs Maxence Lacroix for £52 Million Deal

Chelsea has completed the signing of French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million. The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a contract with Chelsea until 2032, marking him as the club's third signing of the summer transfer window.

Lacroix, who has seven caps for France, joined Crystal Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million and became a key player under manager Oliver Glasner, making 55 appearances last season as Palace won the UEFA Conference League. He also played three times for France at the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea identified Lacroix as a priority target to enhance their defense after a disappointing season where they finished 10th in the Premier League. The club's co-owner Behdad Eghbali indicated a shift in transfer strategy towards acquiring more experienced players.

Lacroix is the oldest player signed under the current ownership, joining fellow summer signings Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.