Chelsea have completed the signing of France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52 million.
The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, keeping him at the club until 2032.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5 million and quickly established himself as a key player under Oliver Glasner. He made 55 appearances in all competitions last season, helping the Eagles lift the UEFA Conference League—the club's first major European trophy.
On the international stage, Lacroix has earned seven caps for France and featured three times during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the third-place play-off against England, as Les Bleus finished fourth.
Speaking after completing the move, the French defender expressed his excitement about joining the Blues.
"When I see players like Reece James and Morgan Rogers, I'm really happy to become part of their journey and help write Chelsea's story with them.
"I'm incredibly proud and excited to be part of this ambitious project. I can't wait to meet the manager, my teammates, and get the season started. I believe we have a special story to write here, and I'm delighted to be part of it."
Lacroix becomes Chelsea's third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, as the club prepares for its first campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
The Blues also finalized previously agreed deals for Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha, with both players officially joining the club this month.
Chelsea's summer business may not be over, with the club continuing negotiations to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson before the transfer window closes.
