Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for the transfer of defender Maxence Lacroix. The France international, aged 26, has been granted permission to finalise his move, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £51m.
Lacroix joined the Eagles in 2024 from Wolfsburg. During his time at Selhurst Park, he contributed to the team’s success, which included winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League. His performances over two seasons have drawn attention, particularly following the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Lacroix’s impact at Crystal Palace
Lacroix’s tenure at Crystal Palace has seen him establish himself as a key defensive figure. His former manager, Oliver Glasner, who worked with him in both Germany and England, highlighted his development, noting how many initially questioned his signing from Wolfsburg but acknowledged his subsequent improvement.
The defender is recognised for his unique skillset. Since his arrival in the Premier League in 2024, Lacroix has consistently ranked among the top five fastest centre-backs in the league. This recovery speed is a significant asset, making him a formidable one-on-one defender.
Statistical data supports his effectiveness in defensive duels. Lacroix is noted as the only player in the Premier League over the past two seasons to have faced 50 or more one-on-one situations and emerged victorious more often than not. Furthermore, his physical presence, standing at 6’4″ tall, has allowed him to adapt well to the demands of the Premier League. He ranks third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won, demonstrating his capabilities beyond just one-on-one defending.
Potential player movements between clubs
The relationship between Crystal Palace and Chelsea is understood to be positive, with previous deals involving players such as Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell. During discussions for Lacroix, Chelsea reportedly offered Palace the opportunity to consider signing one of their available defenders.
Among the Chelsea defenders who have attracted interest from other clubs are Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile. Disasi, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham, is reportedly among the candidates Palace have identified as a potential replacement for Lacroix. Negotiations regarding Disasi are said to be active.
Disasi, aged 28, has not participated in pre-season training under Chelsea’s new boss, Xabi Alonso, as the club seeks to facilitate a move for him. While West Ham are also reported to be interested in Disasi, who made a positive impression during his loan spell, it is believed he is not keen on playing in the Championship.
Crystal Palace have been actively searching for centre-back options since the January transfer window, following Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City. Their search has included players like Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, Ruben Kluivert from Lyon, and Chibuke Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor, who is also of interest to Fulham.
The Eagles had been focusing on Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, but reports indicate they are now prepared to withdraw from that deal due to frustration with the pace of negotiations. Crystal Palace is embarking on a new era under manager Pierre Sage, who took over after Oliver Glasner’s contract expired in June.
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Source: skysports.com
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”