France defender Lacroix moves to Chelsea from Crystal Palace after FIFA World Cup 2026

Chelsea has signed defender Maxence Lacroix from ​Crystal Palace on a deal ‌until 2032, the Premier League ​club said on ⁠Thursday.

British media reported that Chelsea paid £52 million ($69.6 million) for the France international.

“Lacroix ‌arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of ‌being among European football’s ‌most ⁠commanding centre-backs, as well ⁠as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier ​League,” the club ‌said in a statement.

The 26-year-old French international made 55 appearances in all competitions last ‌season recording three goals ​and three assists as Palace won the UEFA ⁠Conference League.

A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior ‌appearances for the French club before joining Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.

Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in 2024 for a reported ‌fee of £18 million ($24.09 million). He made ​98 appearances in all competitions during his two ⁠seasons in English football.

Lacroix made three ⁠appearances for France at this year’s World Cup ‌as it finished fourth.

Published on Jul 30, 2026