Maxence Lacroix played three matches for France at the 2026 World Cup. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea on a long-term contract after the clubs reached agreement on a deal for the player. BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that both clubs had held positive talks over a move for the France international, with Palace seeking about £60m for the centre-back.

An agreement has now been reached between the two clubs, with personal terms not believed to be an issue. Lacroix is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours before signing a long-term contract, understood to run until 2032. The agreement between the two London clubs has been negotiated at ownership level.

The 26-year-old was a regular under Oliver Glasner last season, making 55 appearances in all competitions as Palace won the Uefa Conference League, the club's first major European trophy. He also featured in Palace's Community Shield victory over Liverpool and helped the Eagles secure another strong Premier League campaign.

Lacroix's performances earned him a place in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made three appearances during the tournament, including starts against Norway and England in the third-place play-off, as Les Bleus finished fourth.

Palace signed Lacroix from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial fee of £15.5m, with a further £2.6m in potential add-ons. He has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent central defenders.

Chelsea have targeted Lacroix after two impressive seasons in English football. During the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, he was the only player to record at least 50 tackles (60), 200 duels won (204) and 250 clearances (252).

At 6ft 4in, Lacroix combines aerial strength with exceptional recovery pace. Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024, he has ranked among the five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League, recording a top speed of 35.81km/h (22.3mph). That athleticism is reflected in his defensive numbers.

Across the past two Premier League seasons, Lacroix recorded the best success rate in one-on-one defensive situations among players to face at least 50 such duels, winning possession 50.5% of the time. Lacroix is also tactically versatile. Comfortable in both a back four and a back three, he spent two seasons playing in Oliver Glasner's three-man defence at Crystal Palace but has also shown he can operate effectively in a more conventional back four.

That adaptability offers Chelsea additional options, with head coach Xabi Alonso having used both systems during his coaching career.

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