Maxence Lacroix has completed his move from Crystal Palace to Chelsea, signing a six-year contract worth £52 million. The France international becomes the Blues' fifth acquisition of the summer transfer window.
Defensive reinforcement secured
Lacroix, 26, was Chelsea's primary defensive target this window. He arrives having won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace. 'I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,' said Lacroix, who made three appearances for France at the World Cup, including the bronze medal match defeat to England.
'Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment. I think it's the best move for me because it's the best club in the world. When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club,' Lacroix added.
Club's recruitment shift
Chelsea had been seeking to add experience to their back line after missing out on Rennes' Jérémy Jacquet in January, who opted to join Liverpool. Levi Colwill, considered a key long-term asset, missed nearly all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah as the central defensive pairing for much of the campaign.
Following a disappointing 10th-place finish, the club's hierarchy has acknowledged a need to revise recruitment policy, moving away from young, inexperienced players toward those capable of competing for the title. Lacroix, who made 55 appearances last season for Palace, has been among the league's most consistent defenders since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024.
Other summer arrivals
Chelsea earlier confirmed the club-record signing of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, as well as Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, and Sporting Lisbon's Geovany Quenda. The club is also expected to sign Brighton's Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson after his contract with Brentford was terminated.
