Transfer bombshell for £52m! Chelsea officially lands Crystal Palace star
Chelsea have secured a new general for the heart of their defense.
Details: The London club has officially announced the signing of 26-year-old French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The player has penned a six-year contract running until the summer of 2032, with the transfer fee reported to be around £52 million.
Chelsea expect Lacroix to immediately become a vital part of the starting lineup. The Frenchman is set to bolster the center of defense and take on a key role in the club’s revamped system.
This transfer marks yet another major signing for Chelsea in the summer window. Lacroix’s experience in the Premier League means he won’t need much time to adapt to English football.
It’s worth noting that Lacroix made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace, helping the club win the FA Cup, the Europa Conference League, and the English Super Cup.
In the 2025/26 season, Lacroix featured in 53 matches across all competitions for Crystal Palace, scoring three goals and providing four assists. In the Premier League, he played 35 games, netting once and supplying two assists.
Reminder: Here we go! Chelsea sign former Liverpool captain.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
