Chelsea have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for French defender Maxence Lacroix.
The 26 year old has been given permission to complete the transfer, with the fee expected to be around £51 million. Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and played an important role as the club won the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League.
His arrival could lead to further changes in Chelsea’s defensive department. Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile have all attracted interest from other clubs.
Chelsea and Palace have maintained a positive working relationship in recent transfer windows. The two London clubs previously completed deals involving Chalobah and Ben Chilwell, which helped the negotiations over Lacroix progress.
Crystal Palace assess alternative centre back options
Palace have been working on a possible move for Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima. However, the club are now prepared to end those talks after becoming frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations.
The Eagles have been searching for another centre back since Marc Guehi joined Manchester City during the January transfer window. Several defenders have been considered as possible additions to the squad.
Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, Lyon’s Ruben Kluivert and Trabzonspor centre back Chibuke Nwaiwu have all appeared on Palace’s list. Fulham are also interested in Nwaiwu, which could create further competition for his signature.
Lacroix’s expected departure increases the need for Palace to strengthen the position. The club must now decide whether to return to one of its previous targets or identify another option before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea make an exception to their age policy
Chelsea have generally focused on signing younger players since their ownership change. The club have not paid a transfer fee for anyone aged 26 or older since the summer of 2022, when Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly arrived.
Lacroix is viewed as a player worthy of an exception. At 26, the Frenchman is entering the strongest years of his career after producing two impressive seasons at Selhurst Park.
His performances have sometimes received less attention outside Palace, but his importance has become more obvious since Guehi’s departure. Lacroix has taken on greater responsibility in defence and established himself as a central figure in Oliver Glasner’s team.
Glasner previously worked with the defender at Wolfsburg before bringing him to England. The Palace manager recently acknowledged that some questioned the signing at first, but believes Lacroix has since raised his level considerably.
Lacroix offers speed, strength and one on one quality
Few Premier League centre backs combine Lacroix’s physical attributes with his recovery pace. Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024, he has ranked among the five fastest central defenders in the division.
That speed allows him to recover his position and defend effectively in isolated situations. It also makes him well suited to a team that wants to play with a high defensive line and leave space behind its centre backs.
Lacroix’s record in direct duels is particularly strong. He is the only Premier League player to have faced at least 50 one on one situations across the previous two seasons and regained possession in more than half of them.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, he also provides a strong presence in the penalty area. Lacroix ranks third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won during that period, underlining his ability to deal with crosses and physical forwards.
Chelsea believe those qualities can strengthen their defence immediately. Lacroix can protect space, compete in the air and defend away from his own box, giving the coaching staff another option for different tactical systems.
