Chelsea reach agreement with Palace for Maxence Lacroix in £60m deal

Chelsea have struck a deal with Crystal Palace to sign France international Maxence Lacroix, with the centre-back expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge in the coming days. Sources confirm the two London clubs have finalised a transfer agreement worth approximately £60 million, and personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. Lacroix is scheduled to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours before putting pen to paper on a contract that runs through 2032. The negotiations were conducted at ownership level, underscoring the high priority Chelsea placed on landing the 26-year-old after two standout seasons in the Premier League. Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial £15.5 million plus £2.6 million in add-ons. Since then, he has developed into one of the league's most reliable central defenders. Last season, under Oliver Glasner, he made 55 appearances across all competitions, helping Palace win the UEFA Conference League — the club's first major European trophy — and lift the Community Shield against Liverpool, while also securing a strong top-flight finish. His form earned him a spot in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he made three appearances, including starts against Norway and England in the third-place play-off as Les Bleus took fourth place. Chelsea's interest stems from his remarkable consistency. During the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, Lacroix was the only player to register at least 50 tackles (60), 200 duels won (204) and 250 clearances (252). Standing at 6ft 4in, he combines aerial dominance with elite recovery pace — since his move to England, he has ranked among the five fastest centre-backs in the division, clocking a top speed of 35.81 km/h (22.3 mph). His one-on-one defensive success rate of 50.5% is the best among players who have faced at least 50 such duels over the past two seasons. Tactical flexibility adds to his appeal. Lacroix is comfortable in both a back four and a back three, having spent two seasons in Glasner's three-man system at Palace. That versatility gives head coach Xabi Alonso additional options as Chelsea prepare for the new campaign.