Chelsea have completed the signing of France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52 million, strengthening Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032, becoming Chelsea’s latest high-profile arrival of the summer transfer window.
Lacroix joins the Blues just one year after moving to Crystal Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for an initial fee of £15.5 million. During his lone season at Selhurst Park, he established himself as a key figure under Oliver Glasner, making 55 appearances in all competitions.
His impressive performances helped Palace secure the UEFA Conference League title, marking the first major European trophy in the club’s history.
The French defender also enhanced his growing reputation on the international stage by featuring three times for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the third-place play-off against England, as Les Bleus finished fourth.
Speaking after completing the move, Lacroix expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea and contributing to the club’s ambitious project.
“I think when I saw the players like Reece James and Morgan Rogers, I’m just really happy to be part of their story and to write part of Chelsea’s story with them,” he said.
“I’m really proud and happy to be part of this beautiful project. I just want to start playing. I’m excited to meet the players, the manager and begin the season because I believe we have a story to write here.”
Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, as new manager Xabi Alonso continues to reshape the squad.
The club also officially completed previously agreed deals for winger Geovany Quenda and striker Emmanuel Emegha, while negotiations remain ongoing over moves for Brighton forward Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea will hope Lacroix’s arrival adds greater defensive solidity and experience as they seek to challenge for major honours under Alonso in his first season in charge.
