Chelsea strengthen defence with Maxence Lacroix signing | OneFootball

Chelsea have completed the signing of France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £52 million, with the defender signing a contract until 2032.

The 26-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge after an impressive debut season at Selhurst Park, where he established himself as one of the Premier League's standout centre-backs. Lacroix made 55 appearances in all competitions and played a key role as Palace lifted the UEFA Conference League, securing the club's first major European trophy.

Lacroix also featured for France at the 2026 World Cup, making three appearances as Les Bleus finished fourth after defeat to England in the third-place play-off.

His arrival continues Chelsea's busy summer under new head coach Xabi Alonso and takes the club's spending beyond £250 million. Lacroix follows the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, while previously agreed deals for Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha have also now been completed.

Chelsea are not expected to stop there, with the Blues continuing talks over potential moves for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson before the transfer window closes.

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