Chelsea has reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign defender Maxence Lacroix after productive negotiations between the two clubs. Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle, with the France international now closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The centre-back is expected to complete a medical within the next 24 hours before signing a long-term contract that is understood to run until 2032. The transfer agreement between the two London clubs was negotiated at the ownership level.
Maxence Lacroix’s transfer moves closer to completion
BBC Sport reported earlier this week that Chelsea and Crystal Palace had held positive discussions over a deal, with Palace seeking around £60 million for the defender.
An agreement has now been reached, leaving Lacroix’s medical examination and contract signing as the final steps before the transfer is completed.
The 26-year-old is set to commit his future to Chelsea on a long-term deal after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading central defenders.
Maxence Lacroix impressed at Crystal Palace
Lacroix was a key player under Oliver Glasner last season, making 55 appearances in all competitions as Crystal Palace lifted the UEFA Conference League, the club’s first major European trophy.
He also featured in Palace’s Community Shield victory over Liverpool and played an important role in another strong Premier League campaign.
The defender earned a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, making three appearances during the tournament, including starts against Norway and England in the third-place play-off, as France finished fourth.
Chelsea’s sign is one of the Premier League’s top defenders
Crystal Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million, with a further £2.6 million available in potential add-ons.
During the 2025-26 Premier League season, he was the only player to register at least 50 tackles (60), 200 duels won (204), and 250 clearances (252). Since arriving in England, he has also ranked among the five fastest centre-backs in the league, recording a top speed of 35.81 km/h (22.3 mph).
Across the last two Premier League campaigns, Lacroix posted the best success rate in one-on-one defensive situations among players involved in at least 50 such duels, winning possession 50.5% of the time.
Xabi Alonso gains a versatile defensive option
Lacroix has shown he can perform effectively in both a back four and a back three during his time at Crystal Palace.
After spending two seasons in Oliver Glasner’s three-man defence, he also demonstrated his ability to adapt to a traditional four-man back line.
That versatility provides Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso with additional tactical options, having previously used both defensive systems during his coaching career.