Chelsea are expected to confirm the signing of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix for a fee of around €55m (£48m) after the 2026 World Cup, according to French newspaper L'Equipe. The Blues have been rebuilding under new manager Xabi Alonso, who has already secured right-back Marco Palestra for £51m, and now turn their attention to bolstering the defence.
Lacroix to leave Palace after World Cup duty
Lacroix, 26, is currently representing France at the World Cup and is expected to start Friday's match against Norway, ahead of Arsenal's William Saliba. Once his tournament ends, he is expected to head straight to Stamford Bridge to complete the transfer across London. The fee represents a significant bargain for Chelsea, given that Lacroix still has three years left on his contract and Crystal Palace are reluctant to sell.
Palace's key defender
Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg for £18m, reuniting him with manager Oliver Glasner. He played a crucial role in the Eagles' FA Cup and Conference League triumphs. The South London club want to extend his contract and can offer Europa League football next season, while Chelsea are not in any European competition. Lacroix is Palace vice-captain and has been praised for his leadership.
Malouda backs move
Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda commented on the potential transfer, saying: 'Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea? I think a lot of players are linked to Chelsea, even though we already have a big squad. When you mention his name, maybe it's because we missed the opportunity to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, so maybe we could make it right. Chelsea definitely need options in that area, we need to be defensively more reliable. For him, it will be the natural progression after Crystal Palace, it will be the step that makes the most sense. But again, what is the project and how will the manager be able to convince him and make him a leader? Right now we need leaders, would he be that defensive leader that we expect? We will know soon.'
Meanwhile, Chelsea are allowing England star Trevoh Chalobah to leave amid interest from Como, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana face uncertain futures.
