After a standout season with Crystal Palace, Maxence Lacroix is on the brink of a career-defining transfer. The 26-year-old defender, who earned his first call-up to the France national team earlier this year, is set to join Chelsea following the 2026 World Cup, pending a deal valued at around €55 million.
The French defender, who made his Les Bleus debut in March, has quickly become a key figure for Crystal Palace since his arrival in 2024. His impressive performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, with Chelsea leading the race to secure his services.
From bench to potential starter in crucial match
While Maxence Lacroix has yet to start a game in the current competition, he could be handed a starting role against Norway in the final group-stage fixture. Guy Stéphan, the team’s assistant coach, hinted at changes in the lineup, stating that William Saliba will not feature, leaving the door open for the Sochaux academy graduate to step up.
Defensive reinforcements and transfer trends
The potential move to Chelsea aligns with the club’s ambition to bolster its defensive ranks. With only four caps to his name, Lacroix is still in the early stages of his international career but has already proven his worth at club level. His potential departure from Crystal Palace mirrors another high-profile transfer this summer, as Ibrahima Konaté recently completed a switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid in a long-term deal.