Chelsea signs defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m

16 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 1:08 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Chelsea signs defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m
Summary

Chelsea has signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million. The 26-year-old French defender has inked a contract until 2032 after making 55 appearances for Palace, contributing to their UEFA Conference League victory. Lacroix, who represented France in the 2026 World Cup, is Chelsea's third signing of the summer under new manager Xabi Alonso. The club aims to bolster its defense after a disappointing season where they finished 10th in the Premier League without winning a trophy. Chelsea is also pursuing additional signings, including Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

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Status Watch
  • •Maxence Lacroix signed for £52 million from Crystal Palace.
  • •Lacroix’s contract runs until 2032.
  • •He helped Palace win the UEFA Conference League.
  • •Chelsea has made three signings this summer under Xabi Alonso.
  • •The club is in talks for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Latest Updates
  • 1:55 PMESPN Soccer — Lacroix becomes Chelsea's latest summer recruit
  • 11:50 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea sign France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace
  • 11:48 AMThe Guardian Sport — Chelsea complete deal for Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix
  • 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea signs France center back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace
  • 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Lacroix explains why he chose Chelsea as transfer confirmed
  • 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — Maxence Lacroix seals move to Chelsea from Crystal Palace
  • 10:50 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea strengthen defence with Maxence Lacroix signing
  • 10:26 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea sign France defender Lacroix from Crystal Palace
What they're saying
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Centre-back signs six-year deal with Xabi Alonso’s side Lacroix is fifth signing of busy summer for club Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer so far. The France international, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace, has been the Blues’ main defensive target of the window. Lacroix, 26, signs a six-year deal with Xabi Alonso’s side. “I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” said Lacroix, who played three times for France at the World Cup, including in their 6-4 bronze medal match defeat to England. Continue reading...

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Chelsea completed the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on Thursday for a reported fee of 52 million pounds ($70 million). The France international has agreed to a contract until 2032 and is the latest major arrival during this window after the signing of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are also reported targets for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.

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Chelsea signed France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth a reported £52 million ($69 million) on Thursday.Lacroix is the latest close-season signing for new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso after the British record £117 million swoop for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and a £47 million move for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.

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