Chelsea agree deal with Crystal Palace for defender Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign French centre-back Maxence Lacroix on a long-term contract, with a fee of around £60m. The 26-year-old is expected to undergo a medical within 24 hours.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace have finalised a deal for defender Maxence Lacroix, with the two London clubs reaching an agreement at ownership level. The France international is set to join Chelsea on a long-term contract, understood to run until 2032, after the clubs agreed on a transfer fee of approximately £60m. Personal terms are not believed to be an obstacle, and Lacroix is expected to undergo a medical in the next day.
Lacroix, 26, was a key player for Crystal Palace last season under manager Oliver Glasner. He made 55 appearances across all competitions, helping the Eagles win the UEFA Conference League – their first major European trophy. He also played in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool and contributed to another strong Premier League campaign.
His performances earned him a call-up to the France national team for the 2026 World Cup. Lacroix made three appearances in the tournament, starting against Norway and England in the third-place play-off, as France finished fourth.
Crystal Palace originally signed Lacroix from German side Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5m, with an additional £2.6m in potential add-ons. Since then, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent central defenders.
