Premier League clubs circle as Palace star set to depart | OneFootball

Maxence Lacroix Transfer Latest: Crystal Palace Face Summer Test

Maxence Lacroix may have played his last game at Selhurst Park in Crystal Palace colours. According to RMC Sport, the French defender is expected to play his last match for the Eagles in the Europa Conference League final, with interest building after an outstanding Premier League season.

Lacroix’s Palace Rise Attracts Europe’s Elite

Crystal Palace have long understood what Lacroix offers. Pace, recovery power, aggression in duels and the confidence to defend high up the pitch. Those traits are gold dust in the modern game, especially for clubs who want to compress space and play on the front foot.

RMC Sport report that “some very big clubs” in England are watching closely, while interest also exists elsewhere in Europe. The Premier League, though, appears the most likely destination.

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Champions League Ambition Drives Decision

For Lacroix, this seems less about restlessness and more about timing. His preference, according to the report, is clear. He wants a club qualified for next season’s Champions League.

That is the uncomfortable reality for Palace. They have helped provide the platform, but the player now sees the next step above them.

Palace Set €40m Starting Point

Lacroix’s contract runs until 2029, giving Palace strength in negotiations. Yet RMC Sport suggest no extension talks have begun, and the club are aware keeping him may be extremely difficult.

Suitors will reportedly need at least €40 million before discussions even begin. In today’s market, that may prove only an opening position rather than a final fee.

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From a Crystal Palace perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that brings pride and dread in equal measure. Lacroix has looked like a defender built for the modern Premier League, quick enough to cover space, strong enough to handle physical forwards and bold enough to defend with authority.

The fear is obvious. Palace cannot keep becoming a finishing school for bigger clubs without turning those exits into proper progress. If Lacroix leaves, supporters will want more than sympathy. They will want ambition.

€40 million feels like a sensible starting point, but Palace should be pushing higher if Champions League clubs are genuinely circling. A defender with his contract length, profile and Premier League adaptation should not be sold cheaply.

There is also an emotional layer. Selhurst Park connects with players who play with intensity, and Lacroix has done that. If the final really is his farewell, fans will likely give him respect, but also wonder why Palace cannot yet convince players like him that their own European dream can be built in south London.