Chelsea have completed the signing of centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million, taking their summer spending to almost £275 million.
The 26-year-old France international joins on a contract until 2032 after two seasons at Selhurst Park, where he won the FA Cup, the Conference League and the Community Shield.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish met in New York ahead of the World Cup final to accelerate the deal. Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg for £18 million in 2024 and are making a significant profit on the sale.
Lacroix is Chelsea's seventh signing of the summer, following Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are also expected to complete moves to west London in the coming days.
Lacroix said he was happy to join a club with a tradition of winning, and that after speaking with the manager he felt they shared the same direction and desire. He said the ambition is to lift trophies and that he cannot wait to contribute.
The defender also addressed Crystal Palace supporters directly, saying it had been a true privilege to wear the Eagles shirt. He described the love and support of the fans as memories he would cherish forever, and said Selhurst Park would hold a special place in his heart. He closed his message with a passage from Isaiah 40:31.
Parish paid tribute to Lacroix, calling him fantastic since arriving at the club and describing him as an outstanding figure both on and off the pitch.
Lacroix is expected to play a significant first-team role under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. The club finished 10th last season and will look to him as part of a push to return to the Champions League.
