Chelsea have announced the signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million.
The 26-year-old has signed a contract until 2032 after completing his move to Stamford Bridge, becoming the Blues’ latest addition ahead of the new season under head coach, Xabi Alonso.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and made 55 appearances in all competitions last season, helping the Eagles lift the UEFA Conference League; the club’s first major European trophy.
The centre-back also featured three times for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the third-place play-off against England, as Les Bleus finished fourth.
“I’m really proud, really happy, to be part of this beautiful project and I just want to start playing,” Lacroix said. “I feel like we have a story to write here, and I can be part of it.”
Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, while Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha also officially joined the club this month after agreeing moves in 2025.
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