Chelsea agree deal to sign Palace defender Lacroix

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign France defender Maxence Lacroix, with the 26-year-old set to move across London on a long-term deal. The report says personal terms are not expected to be a problem and that Lacroix is due to have a medical within the next 24 hours before signing a contract understood to run until 2032.

According to BBC Sport, Palace had been looking for around £60m for the centre-back after earlier positive talks between the clubs. The agreement is said to have been handled at ownership level. Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial £15.5m, plus possible add-ons, and developed into a key player under Oliver Glasner.

The defender made 55 appearances in all competitions last season as Palace won the Uefa Conference League, described by BBC Sport as the club’s first major European trophy. He also played in the Community Shield win over Liverpool and was part of another strong Premier League campaign for the Eagles. His form earned him a place in France’s 2026 World Cup squad, where he made three appearances as France finished fourth.

BBC Sport’s analysis says Chelsea targeted Lacroix after two strong seasons in England, citing his tackling, clearances, aerial presence, recovery pace and ability to play in either a back three or back four. The move matters for Chelsea because it would add an experienced Premier League defender with international pedigree, while Palace would be losing one of their most consistent centre-backs.