Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign France defender, Maxence Lacroix in a major move to strengthen their defence
The two Premier League clubs have concluded negotiations over a deal for the France international, with personal terms not expected to be a problem. Lacroix is set to undergo a medical before completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old centre-back is expected to sign a long-term contract, with the agreement understood to run until 2032. Chelsea’s move for Lacroix comes after two impressive seasons at Crystal Palace, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
Lacroix played a key role under Oliver Glasner, helping Palace secure the UEFA Conference League title and enjoy strong domestic campaigns. He joined Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in August 2024 and quickly became an important figure in the squad. His performances have earned widespread recognition, including a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The defender’s physical qualities are among the reasons Chelsea pushed to secure his signature. Standing at 6ft 4in, Lacroix combines aerial ability, strength in duels and impressive recovery speed. During the 2025-26 Premier League season, he was the only player to register at least 50 tackles, 200 duels won and 250 clearances, highlighting his defensive consistency.
Chelsea also value his tactical flexibility, with Lacroix capable of playing in both a back four and a back three. His experience in different defensive systems is expected to give manager Xabi Alonso more options as the club continues to build its squad. The deal was negotiated at ownership level between the two London clubs, with Chelsea now closing in on the arrival of one of the league’s standout central defenders.