Chelsea are on the verge of completing one of the Premier League’s biggest defensive transfers of the summer after reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix.
The France international is expected to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours before signing a long-term contract until 2032, with personal terms not believed to be an obstacle. The agreement between the two clubs has been negotiated at ownership level and brings Chelsea’s pursuit of the centre-back to a successful conclusion.
The transfer is understood to be worth around £52 million, ending weeks of negotiations after Palace initially valued the defender at close to £60 million. Chelsea identified Lacroix as one of their priority defensive targets and have now secured the player ahead of the new season.
Lacroix arrives after an outstanding campaign at Selhurst Park, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
The 26-year-old made 55 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Crystal Palace lift the UEFA Conference League—the club’s first major European trophy. He also played a key role in Palace’s Community Shield victory over Liverpool and another impressive Premier League campaign.
His performances at club level earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured three times, including starts against Norway and England in the third-place play-off.
Chelsea believe Lacroix possesses the ideal qualities for new head coach Xabi Alonso’s defensive system.
Standing 6ft 4in, the Frenchman combines aerial dominance with exceptional pace. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, he was the only defender to register at least 50 tackles, 200 duels won and 250 clearances, underlining both his physical presence and defensive consistency. He also ranked among the fastest central defenders in the league, reaching a top speed of 35.81 km/h (22.3 mph).
His versatility was another major factor behind Chelsea’s pursuit.
Lacroix has excelled in both a back three under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace and in a traditional back four, giving Alonso tactical flexibility as he reshapes Chelsea’s defence ahead of the new campaign.
Chelsea are also expected to streamline their defensive options following Lacroix’s arrival, with several centre-backs linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
For Palace, the sale represents another significant profit after signing Lacroix from Wolfsburg for an initial £15.5 million in 2024. Less than two years later, the French defender is set to become one of the most expensive centre-backs in the club’s history.
