Maxence Lacroix Set to Join Chelsea from Crystal Palace on Long-Term Deal
Quick Look
- Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea on a long-term contract until 2032 after the London clubs reached an agreement for the player, reportedly for around £60m.
- The France international is expected to undergo a medical within 24 hours.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Maxence Lacroix, a 26-year-old France international, was a regular for Crystal Palace, making 55 appearances last season and helping them win the Uefa Conference League. He was signed by Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5m.
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea on a long-term contract after the clubs reached agreement on a deal for the player.
BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that both clubs had held positive talks over a move for the France international, with Palace seeking about £60m for the centre-back.
An agreement has now been reached between the two clubs, with personal terms not believed to be an issue.
Lacroix is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours before signing a long-term contract, understood to run until 2032.
The agreement between the two London clubs has been negotiated at ownership level.
The 26-year-old was a regular under Oliver Glasner last season, making 55 appearances in all competitions as Palace won the Uefa Conference League, the club's first major European trophy.
He also featured in Palace's Community Shield victory over Liverpool and helped the Eagles secure another strong Premier League campaign.
Lacroix's performances earned him a place in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made three appearances during the tournament, including starts against Norway and England in the third-place play-off, as Les Bleus finished fourth.
Palace signed Lacroix from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5m, with a further £2.6m in potential add-ons.
He has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent central defenders.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Maxence Lacroix will undergo a medical examination.
Very likely · Within hours
Maxence Lacroix will sign a long-term contract with Chelsea until 2032.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What are the exact personal terms agreed?
- What is the precise final transfer fee including add-ons?
