Chelsea complete £52m signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix

The 26-year-old centre back has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032, becoming the latest addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of his first season in charge of the Blues.

Lacroix joined Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial £15.5m and quickly established himself as a key figure under Oliver Glasner.

The defender played 55 times across all competitions last season as Palace lifted the UEFA Conference League, securing the club’s first major European trophy in their history.

His performances also earned international recognition, with Lacroix earning seven caps for France. He featured three times at the 2026 World Cup, including in the third-place play-off defeat by England, as Didier Deschamps’ side finished fourth.

Speaking after completing his move to west London, Lacroix expressed his excitement at becoming part of Chelsea’s project.

“I think when I saw the players like Reece [James], like Morgan [Rogers], 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,” he said.

“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.”

Chelsea add experience to defensive options

Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.

The Blues had identified the need for greater physicality and leadership in their defence after an inconsistent campaign, with the Frenchman viewed as a ready-made addition to strengthen Alonso’s options at the back.

The 6ft 4in defender had been one of Chelsea’s preferred targets, despite interest in alternative centre-back options including former Manchester City defender John Stones and Como youngster Jacobo Ramon.

Negotiations with Palace over the transfer fee and personal terms took time, but Lacroix approved the move after France’s World Cup campaign came to an end.

His arrival also reflects a shift in Chelsea’s recruitment approach after a season of frustration, with the club finishing 10th in the Premier League and ending the campaign without silverware.

Co-owner Behdad Eghbali previously indicated that Chelsea would “tweak” their model by adding more experience to a squad built around young talents such as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill.

Lacroix is the oldest player signed by Chelsea under the current ownership structure, while the club’s pursuit of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka also highlighted a willingness to consider more experienced options.

Although Chelsea were unable to complete a deal for the Switzerland international, Lacroix’s arrival, alongside the £117m signing of Rogers, delivers on the club’s intention to add proven players capable of making an immediate impact.

The French defender now becomes another important piece of Alonso’s plans as Chelsea look to return to contention in the new season.