Football
Football
Chelsea Bolster Defense with £52m Maxence Lacroix Signing
Chelsea has finalized the acquisition of French international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £52 million. The 26-year-old center-back has committed to a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, running until 2032, making him the club's fifth summer signing as they prepare for their inaugural season under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Lacroix, who has earned seven caps for France and featured in three matches during the 2026 World Cup—including a third-place play-off against England—expressed his excitement about joining the West London club. He shared his desire to “write part of the Chelsea story” alongside players like Reece James and Morgan Rogers, and highlighted his belief that this move to Chelsea, which he called “the best club in the world,” is the optimal step for his career.
This transfer marks a notable shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy, focusing on more experienced players. Lacroix is the first player aged 26 or older signed for a fee since 2022, with further deals anticipated for veteran players like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. His arrival follows a successful tenure at Crystal Palace, where he made 55 appearances after joining from Wolfsburg in 2024 for £15.5 million, contributing to their UEFA Conference League triumph.
Lacroix’s arrival, alongside earlier summer additions Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, pushes Chelsea’s summer spending beyond £250 million. The club is also expected to offload several defenders, including Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Axel Disasi, having already generated over £130 million from player sales and compensation.
Sources
