Chelsea sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m

Chelsea Football Club has completed the signing of French international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, the club announced on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The transfer is reported to be worth approximately 52 million pounds, with the 26-year-old centre-back signing a six-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.

Lacroix, who has won seven caps for France and played in three matches at the recent World Cup, becomes the fifth major signing of the summer for new manager Xabi Alonso. In a statement released by Chelsea, Lacroix expressed his enthusiasm for the move, citing the club's winning tradition and a shared vision with the manager. He said he was happy to be part of a beautiful club and that the ambition was to lift trophies, adding that he could not wait to contribute.

The defender arrives with significant Premier League experience, having made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace since joining from German side Wolfsburg in August 2024 for a reported 18 million pounds. During his two seasons in south London, Lacroix was part of the Palace side that won the FA Cup in 2025 and the UEFA Conference League in May 2026. He made 55 appearances across all...