Chelsea close £52m deal for defender Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea are finalizing a major transfer to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for a fee reported to be approximately 52 million pounds. The 26-year-old center-back is scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday, July 24, 2026, before signing a long-term contract with the Blues, marking one of the first major signings under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

The two London clubs have reached an agreement on the transfer, which is expected to be officially announced imminently. Palace had initially sought a higher fee, but the final valuation reportedly matches the 52 million pounds Tottenham Hotspur paid Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke earlier in the transfer window. Chelsea's willingness to meet this price underscores how highly Alonso rates Lacroix's physical attributes and Premier League experience.

Lacroix is seen as a key component in Alonso's defensive rebuild, bringing pace, strength, and the ability to defend in large spaces. Having made 70 Premier League appearances for Palace over the past two seasons, he offers proven top-flight experience, a quality Chelsea prioritized in their search. His arrival is expected to provide immediate defensive stability and...