Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 26-year-old French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth €52 million. The deal keeps the centre-back at Stamford Bridge on a five-year contract until 2032. 

Lacroix joins Chelsea after helping Palace to one of the most successful runs in club history, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League. 

Since joining the Eagles from Wolfsburg in 2025, he has made 98 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals in all competitions.

The defender made three appearances for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as France finished fourth in the tournament after losing to England in the third-place play-off.

He described the move as a proud moment joining the Blues and expressed his excitement to work alongside manager Xabi Alonso.

“I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club. Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment.

‘When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

‘We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it’s something that we can achieve. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.’ Lacroix said.

Lacroix stands out with key qualities to help the club’s defence ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign, thanks to his impressive aerial duels, strong defensive contributions and pace.

The French defender becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.