Chelsea complete £52 million signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace

Chelsea have signed France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal reported to be worth 52 million pounds, or roughly 69 million dollars.

Lacroix has put pen to paper on a six year contract with the Blues and will now join his new teammates for pre season training. The 26 year old has earned seven caps for France and featured for his country at the recent World Cup.

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Lacroix said he felt proud to become part of a club with Chelsea’s history and winning tradition. He said his conversation with the club’s manager convinced him they share the same vision and ambition, adding that the quality of the squad and the resources around the club make winning trophies a realistic goal he is eager to help achieve.

Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and went on to make 98 appearances for the club. During his time at Selhurst Park, he helped Palace win the FA Cup, the UEFA Conference League and the Community Shield.

The defender becomes the latest addition to new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s rebuilding effort this close season. Alonso has already overseen a British record 117 million pound deal for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and a 47 million pound move for Atalanta right back Marco Palestra. Winger Geovany Quenda and forward Emmanuel Emegha have also joined the club, completing transfers that were initially agreed last year. Chelsea have further been linked with moves for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Alonso took charge of the club on July 1 and is tasked with reviving a Chelsea side that finished a disappointing 10th in the Premier League last season, a result that left the club without European football for the upcoming campaign.