Chelsea have agreed a deal worth about £60m to sign France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, with the defender expected to undergo a medical within 24 hours. The 26-year-old centre-back is set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract running until 2032, after personal terms were not believed to be an issue. The agreement between the two London clubs was negotiated at ownership level.
Lacroix, who joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial £15.5m, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent central defenders. Last season, under Oliver Glasner, he made 55 appearances in all competitions as Palace won the Uefa Conference League — the club's first major European trophy — and also featured in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool. His performances earned him a place in France's 2026 World Cup squad, where he started against Norway and England in the third-place play-off as Les Bleus finished fourth.
“Chelsea agree £60m deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who will sign long-term contract after medical.”
In the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, Lacroix was the only player to record at least 50 tackles (60), 200 duels won (204) and 250 clearances (252). Standing at 6ft 4in, he combines aerial strength with exceptional recovery pace, having recorded a top speed of 35.81km/h (22.3mph) — ranking among the five fastest centre-backs in the division. Across the past two seasons, he also posted the best success rate in one-on-one defensive situations among players to face at least 50 such duels, winning possession 50.5% of the time. Tactically versatile, Lacroix is comfortable in both a back four and a back three, offering new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso additional options.
With Lacroix's departure imminent, Palace have moved to identify replacements. The Eagles are interested in 19-year-old Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen, who made six Ligue 1 appearances last season and started the final four matches of the campaign, including games against Paris St-Germain and Strasbourg. Palace have previously signed young French centre-backs with success: 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot arrived from Toulouse last season and stepped into the side after the departure of captain Marc Guehi.
Palace are also interested in Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima. The 24-year-old former France youth international is open to a move to Selhurst Park, where he would work under compatriot Pierre Sage, who was appointed Palace head coach earlier this summer.