Chelsea have completed the signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for a reported £52 million.
Lacroix, 26, has signed a contract until 2032 and will join Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The former Wolfsburg defender spent two seasons at Palace after joining the club for £15.5 million in 2024. He made 98 appearances and played a key role as the Eagles won the FA Cup, UEFA Conference League and Community Shield.
Chelsea described Lacroix as “one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League” and said he had developed a reputation as one of Europe’s leading centre-backs.
The club said: “Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
“The 26-year-old defender has agreed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032 and will join up with his new Blues team-mates ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.”
Lacroix began his senior career at Sochaux before moving to Wolfsburg in 2020. He made 130 appearances for the Bundesliga club before moving to England.
Chelsea said: “A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior appearances for the French club’s first team before joining Wolfsburg in August 2020.
“He spent four years with the German side and made 130 appearances before his switch to south London.”
His form at Palace earned him a first France call-up in March. He has since won seven caps and played three matches at the 2026 World Cup, where France finished fourth.
Chelsea added: “Lacroix’s performances in the Premier League and in Europe with Palace earned him international recognition in March, when he made his debut for France.
“He was then included in Les Bleus’ squad for the FIFA World Cup and made three appearances at the tournament as his country claimed a fourth-place finish.
“Welcome to Chelsea, Maxence!”
Lacroix is Chelsea’s third summer signing after Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, with deals for Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha also completed.
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