Maxence Lacroix Completes £52M Chelsea Transfer From Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Tactics, incomings, outgoings: What Chelsea can expect this summer. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea have completed the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on a long-term contract.

The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, finalising a deal until June 2032.

Lacroix makes the switch from south to west London after a deal worth £52 million was agreed with Crystal Palace.

After undergoing a medical and carrying out the formalities, the France international is now a Chelsea player.

He becomes the latest summer signing as the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership look to back new manager Xabi Alonso in the transfer market.

Lacroix is the second defensive signing of the summer after the arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

Similarly to club-record signing Morgan Rogers, Lacroix will join up with the squad in a few weeks once he reports back from holiday, therefore missing the club's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. He competed at the 2026 World Cup with France, which also saw fellow Blues defender Malo Gusto involved with Les Bleus.

Lacroix is also Chelsea's first signing since the summer of 2022 where the club have paid a transfer fee for a player aged 26 and over - a sign of what the strategy has been and how the club are now willing to adapt when necessary.

His leadership, experience, height and physicality, along with his quality, will prove to be a huge asset for Chelsea next season as they look to better their dismal 10th place finish in 2025-26.

What does Maxence Lacroix's signing mean for Chelsea's other defenders?

Chelsea are set for several exits in defence this summer. With no European football, opportunities for Alonso to spread the minutes across the team will become more restricted.

As with all new arrivals, outgoings must happen and many are linked with exits.

Talks remain ongoing with Como, who have had several bids rejected, for Trevoh Chalobah.

Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are available for transfer, and Chelsea will be keen to offload the pair before the new season gets underway. Meanwhile, Mamadou Sarr is earmarked for a loan, ideally in the Premier League.

Whether Alonso will play three or four at the back remains unclear. It is likely the Spaniard will be fluid with his approach.

Levi Colwill's injury absence last season was a huge blow for Chelsea, who will be relishing his return. Lacroix will be keen to build a partnership with the England international.