Chelsea have secured the signing of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix for approximately £48 million (€55m), with the transfer expected to be confirmed after the 2026 World Cup, according to French outlet L'Equipe.
New manager Xabi Alonso's rebuild
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is actively rebuilding the squad after last season's struggles under Liam Rosenior. He has already approved the £51 million signing of right-back Marco Palestra. The focus now shifts to strengthening the centre-back position, with Trevoh Chalobah reportedly free to leave amid interest from Como, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana face uncertain futures.
Lacroix's rise at Crystal Palace
Lacroix, 26, joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg for £18 million and was reunited with manager Oliver Glasner. He played a crucial role in the club's FA Cup and Conference League triumphs. The France international is currently at the World Cup and is expected to start Friday's match against Norway, taking the place of Arsenal's William Saliba.
Despite having three years left on his contract and Palace's reluctance to sell, the transfer fee of around £48 million is considered a bargain for Chelsea. Palace are keen to extend Lacroix's contract and can offer Europa League football next season, while Chelsea have no European competition.
Leadership qualities
Lacroix serves as Palace's vice-captain and has been praised for his leadership at the back. Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda believes that quality is exactly what Chelsea needs. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Malouda said: 'Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea? I think a lot of players are linked to Chelsea, even though we already have a big squad. When you mention his name, maybe it's because we missed the opportunity to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, so maybe we could make it right.'
'Chelsea definitely need options in that area, we need to be defensively more reliable. For him, it will be the natural progression after Crystal Palace, it will be the step that makes the most sense. But again, what is the project and how will the manager be able to convince him and make him a leader? Right now we need leaders, would he be that defensive leader that we expect? We will know soon.'
