Chelsea secure Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for the transfer of defender Maxence Lacroix. The France international, aged 26, has reportedly been granted permission to finalise his move, with a transfer fee in the region of £51m.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024. During his time with the Eagles, he contributed to the team winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League. His two seasons at Selhurst Park have seen him develop significantly, particularly following Marc Guehi’s departure.
Reports indicate that Chelsea have offered Palace the opportunity to discuss signing one of their available defenders during the transfer talks. Among the players who have attracted interest from other clubs are Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile.
Palace’s defensive considerations
Crystal Palace and Chelsea have a history of player transfers, including previous deals for Chalobah and Ben Chilwell. Palace are currently in a strong negotiating position regarding Lacroix, as he still has three years remaining on his contract.
The Eagles have been evaluating potential replacements for Lacroix throughout the summer. Axel Disasi is understood to be among the candidates identified by Palace, and active negotiations are reportedly underway for a deal. Disasi, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham, has not participated in pre-season training under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso as the club seeks to facilitate his move.
West Ham are also reportedly interested in Disasi, who made a positive impression during his loan spell at the London Stadium. However, it is believed that Disasi is not keen on playing in the Championship.
Lacroix’s impact and future
Lacroix’s performances at Crystal Palace have garnered attention, with his former manager Oliver Glasner noting his progress since arriving from Wolfsburg. Glasner stated that many questioned the signing of Lacroix from Wolfsburg, but he believes the defender has “stepped up.”
Lacroix is recognised for his defensive attributes, including his recovery speed, which positions him among the fastest centre-backs in the Premier League since his arrival in 2024. This speed contributes to his effectiveness in one-on-one defending situations.
Statistics suggest that Lacroix excels in winning the ball back during one-on-one encounters. He is reportedly the only player in the Premier League to have faced 50 or more such situations over the past two seasons and won the ball more often than not. Standing at 6’4″, Lacroix possesses a robust physical presence and has adapted well to the demands of the Premier League. He ranks third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won.
Palace have been focusing on other centre-back options, including Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima. However, they are now reportedly prepared to withdraw from that deal due to frustrations with the pace of negotiations. Since Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City in the January window, Palace have shown interest in several centre-backs, including Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell, Lyon’s Ruben Kluivert, and Trabzonspor’s Chibuke Nwaiwu, who is also of interest to Fulham.
Crystal Palace is set to begin a new era under manager Pierre Sage, who has been appointed to succeed Oliver Glasner after Glasner’s contract expired in June.
Source: skysports.com
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”