Chelsea is closing in on a deal to sign French centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for approximately €55 million, with the transfer expected to be finalized after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move would represent a significant profit for Palace, who bought Lacroix from VfL Wolfsburg for €18 million just last summer.
The deal and what’s driving it
Lacroix, 26, has reportedly shown a willingness to make the cross-London move, and discussions between Chelsea and his representatives are said to be progressing favorably. No official agreement has been reached yet, but the club’s leadership has identified the French defender as a priority acquisition for their summer defensive overhaul.
Chelsea may not stop with just one centre-back signing. The club is reportedly considering bringing in two defenders this transfer window, depending on player departures from the current squad. Under what is expected to be Xabi Alonso’s management, the club appears to be engaged in a strategic reshaping that puts defensive solidity at the top of the priority list.
Lacroix moved from Wolfsburg to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024 for €18 million. In the space of one season, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s more reliable centre-backs, earning call-ups to the French national team in the process.
