Chelsea reach an agreement to sign defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace

According toBBC.

Background

Maxence Lacroix, who moved to Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg, has become one of the most prominent defenders in the Premier League. His strong performance last season helped Crystal Palace win the European Conference League title, increasing his value in the transfer market.

Why is this important?

The inclusion of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea represents a strategic move to strengthen the defense line in the English Premier League. The Frenchman, who has impressed in the Premier League and World Cup, will add depth and experience to Chelsea's squad, reflecting the club's interest in strengthening its squad during the summer transfer window.

Key points

Chelsea reach an agreement to sign defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign defender Maxence Lacroix, who was a prominent player in the English Premier League and recently participated in the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea transfer news: Maxence Lacroix deal agreed with Crystal Palace - BBC Sport.

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix on a long-term contract, after the deal showed significant progress in negotiations between the two clubs. According to BBC Sport reports, talks have been positive, with Crystal Palace demanding around £60m for the 26-year-old defender.

Lacroix is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours before signing the contract, which runs until 2032. The agreement between the two clubs was negotiated at management level, indicating both parties' desire to complete the deal quickly.

During last season, Lacroix was a key player in coach Oliver Glasner's squad, as he participated in 55 matches in all competitions, and contributed to Crystal Palace winning the European Conference League title, its first major title at the European level. He also helped the team win the Charity Shield Cup at Liverpool's expense, as well as providing a strong performance in the English Premier League.

Lacroix's performances in the Premier League earned him inclusion in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he made three appearances, including two semi-final matches and a third-place play-off against England, as his country finished the tournament in fourth place.

Lacroix moved to Crystal Palace from German club Wolfsburg in August 2024 for £15.5m, with a potential £2.6m add-on if he achieves some goals. Since then, he has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the Premier League.

Chelsea had targeted Lacroix after two outstanding seasons in England. During the 2025-2026 season, he was the only player to record 50 tackles (60 tackles), 204 tackles won, and 252 clearances.

With its length of 1.93 metres, the Lacroix combines aerodynamic power with exceptional recovery speed. Since his arrival from Wolfsburg, he has been among the five fastest defenders in the Premier League, clocking a top speed of 35.81 km/h.

His defending numbers show just how efficient he is, with the best one-on-one tackle success rate among players with at least 50 duels, winning the ball 50.5% of the time.

Lacroix is also tactically flexible, as he can play in a defense system with four or three defenders. He spent two seasons in a back three under Oliver Glasner, but has also proven his ability to play efficiently in a traditional back-four system. This flexibility gives Chelsea additional options, as coach Javi Alonso has used both systems during his coaching career.

What's next?

Lacroix is expected to undergo a medical examination in the next 24 hours, after which the contract will be signed, which extends until 2032. With the completion of the deal, Chelsea will have to integrate the player into its tactical plan, while Crystal Palace will begin searching for a suitable replacement in the transfer market to compensate for the departure of one of its most prominent defenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Maxence Lacroix?

Maxence Lacroix is a 26-year-old French defender who recently moved to Chelsea from Crystal Palace.

Where did Maxence Lacroix move to Crystal Palace?

Maxence Lacroix moved to Crystal Palace from German club Wolfsburg in August 2024.

Why did Chelsea choose to include Maxence Lacroix?

Chelsea have targeted Maxence Lacroix after two outstanding seasons in the Premier League, where he established himself as one of their standout defenders.