Why do Chelsea want to sign Lacroix from Palace?
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- Chelsea are targeting Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, in what would be their first transfer fee for a player aged 26 or over since Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly arrived in the summer of 2022.
- Lacroix ranks among the top five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League since joining from Wolfsburg in 2024, and is the only player in the division to face 50+ one-on-one situations over the past two seasons while winning the ball back more often than not.
- Lacroix ranks third in the Premier League for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won, sits top five among centre-backs for interceptions, and is in the top 10 defenders for expected goals from set pieces — making him effective at both ends.
- Lacroix became Palace vice-captain after Marc Guehi's departure, won the UEFA Conference League (his third trophy in two seasons at the club), and earned a France call-up — fulfilling a dream he had shared with manager Oliver Glasner.
- Chelsea conceded more than 50 Premier League goals last season for the third consecutive year, having averaged fewer than 30 per season across the 12-year period from 2003 to 2015.
Why it matters: Chelsea have conceded 50+ league goals in three straight seasons after averaging under 30 across the 2003–2015 period — breaking their under-26 transfer policy for a proven Premier League centre-back signals a clear pivot toward experienced recruitment rather than more prodigy signings.
