Chelsea has officially announced the signing of French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, with a contract extending until the summer of 2032, bolstering the squad ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Maxence Lacroix has expressed his immense happiness at joining Chelsea, affirming that the club has a prestigious history of winning titles. He stated: "I am very happy to join this wonderful club. Everyone knows Chelsea's status and traditions in achieving championships, and I am proud to be part of this project."
The French defender added: "When I spoke with the coach, I felt that we share the same ambition and vision. We want to win titles, and when you look at the quality of the players and the potential within the club, you realize that this is a goal that can be achieved, and I am excited to contribute to this success."
Lacroix arrives at Stamford Bridge after two standout seasons with Crystal Palace, during which he played 98 matches and contributed to historic achievements for the club, including winning the UEFA Europa Conference League, the FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield. He has also earned a reputation as one of the strongest aerial defenders and the fastest in the Premier League.
Maxence Lacroix began his career with French side Sochaux before moving to German club Wolfsburg in 2020, where he made 130 appearances over four seasons, before his transfer to Crystal Palace. He also had the opportunity to represent the French national team for the first time last March, participating in three matches during the 2026 World Cup, where France finished the tournament in fourth place.
