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Chelsea FC has signed France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for a reported £52 million ($69 million), the club announced on Thursday.
The 26-year-old has signed a six-year contract and will join Chelsea for their pre-season preparations.
Lacroix, who has seven caps for France, featured for his country at the recent World Cup.
He said joining Chelsea was a proud moment and that his discussions with manager Xabi Alonso convinced him they shared the same ambitions for the club.
Here. An absolute honour to sign for a club like @ChelseaFC. So ready for the challenge ahead. Thank you Jesus always. See you all at the Bridge soon. 💙
« What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us ? »
Romans 8:31 pic.twitter.com/K4nvI8g82F— Maxence Lacroix (@LacroixMaxence) July 30, 2026
“I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club. Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment,” Lacroix said.
“When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.
“We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it’s something that we can achieve. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.”
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and made 98 appearances for the London club.
He helped Palace win the FA Cup, UEFA Conference League and Community Shield during his time at Selhurst Park.
Lacroix is the latest close-season signing for new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso after the British record £117 million swoop for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and a £47 million move for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.
Players Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha have joined Chelsea in transfers that were initially agreed in 2025.
Chelsea have been linked with Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson as Alonso looks to rebuild the squad.
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will not play European football in the 2026/27 campaign.
