Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign defender Maxence Lacroix on a long-term contract until 2032.
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix, with the centre-back now set to complete his move to Stamford Bridge on a long-term contract.
The two Premier League clubs held positive negotiations throughout the week, and an agreement has now been finalised. Personal terms are not expected to present any complications, with Lacroix ready to commit his future to Chelsea until 2032.
The 26-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours before officially completing the transfer. Reports indicate that the negotiations between Chelsea and Palace were conducted primarily at ownership level.
🚨🔵 Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place with official bid accepted by Crystal Palace.
Broad terms in place last night and medical ongoing in London for the CB.
£52m transfer fee. Axel Disasi not included in the deal.
Lacroix signs until June 2032. pic.twitter.com/hDwEjyQqam
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2026
Lacroix enjoyed an outstanding campaign under Oliver Glasner last season, making 55 appearances in all competitions as Crystal Palace lifted the UEFA Conference League, securing the club’s first major European trophy.
The defender also featured in Palace’s Community Shield triumph over Liverpool and played a key role in another impressive Premier League campaign. His consistent performances earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made three appearances, including starts against Norway and England.
Crystal Palace signed Lacroix from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million, with a further £2.6 million in potential add-ons. Since arriving in England, he has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.
Why Chelsea Signed Lacroix
Chelsea’s interest was driven not only by his consistency but also by his impressive defensive statistics. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, Lacroix became the only player to register at least 60 tackles, 204 duels won and 252 clearances, highlighting his influence at both ends of the pitch.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Lacroix combines physical dominance with outstanding pace. Since joining Palace, he has consistently ranked among the Premier League’s fastest central defenders, recording a top speed of 35.81 km/h (22.3 mph) while also posting the league’s best success rate in one-on-one defensive situations among players involved in at least 50 such duels.
Maxence Lacroix amongst Crystal Palace in the Premier League last season:
🥇 Most interceptions – 45
🥇 Most clearances per game – 252
🥇 Most aerial duels won – 119
🥇 Highest rated player (25+ apps) – 7.03 pic.twitter.com/CD2yqdxGN4— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 24, 2026
His tactical versatility is another major reason Chelsea moved quickly to complete the signing. Comfortable operating in both a back four and a back three, Lacroix gives head coach Xabi Alonso greater flexibility as the Blues continue reshaping their squad for the new season.
