Chelsea have signed France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52m.
The 26-year-old, capped seven times by France, has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial £15.5m and became a key player under Oliver Glasner last season. He made 55 appearances in all competitions as Palace won the UEFA Conference League – the club’s first major European trophy.
The Frenchman also featured three times for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup, including in the third-place play-off against England, as France finished fourth.
”I think when I saw the players like Reece, like Morgan, I’m just really happy to be also in a way in their story, you know? To write part of the Chelsea story with them,” Lacroix said.[James][Rogers]
”I’m really proud, really happy, to be part of this beautiful project and I just want to start playing. I’m really excited to see the guys, to see the manager, to start the season, because I feel like we have a story to write here, and I can be part of it, so it’s beautiful.”
Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer, joining Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra as the Blues prepare for their first season under new boss Xabi Alonso.
Deals for winger Geovany Quenda and forward Emmanuel Emegha were agreed in 2025 and were formally completed this month.
Chelsea are also currently in talks to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea land World Cup defender Lacroix from Palace for £52m
