Chelsea have not paid a transfer fee for a player aged 26 or over since the summer of 2022 with the ill-fated acquisitions of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. But Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is a player worth relaxing the policy for.
Far from a veteran, Lacroix, 26, is entering his prime after two strong seasons with Palace. Beyond Selhurst Park, perhaps the Frenchman has gone a little under the radar. But, particularly since Marc Guehi’s exit, there is growing awareness of his key role.
Oliver Glasner, who worked with him in both Germany and England, rather summed it up with his own verdict on the player recently. “There is Maxence Lacroix, who came from Wolfsburg, and many asked, ‘Why did you sign this player?’ I think he stepped up.”
Maxence Lacroix’s top speed for Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Few defenders boast his skillset. Lacroix ranks among the top five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2024. That recovery speed helps make him one of the most formidable one-on-one defenders in the competition.
The numbers back that up to. In one-on-one situations, nobody is better than Lacroix at winning the ball back. He is the only player in the Premier League to have faced 50 or more such situations in the past two seasons and won the ball more often than not.
At 6’4″ tall, Lacroix is a robust physical presence who has adapted easily to the demands of the Premier League. He has all the stats to support that, ranking third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won. But he can do more than defend his box.
That makes him an attractive proposition for the richest clubs. His speed and one-on-one skills mean he can be trusted to defend high as well as low. Top teams want their defenders on the front foot. He ranks among the top five centre-backs for interceptions.
Maxence Lacroix’s one-on-one defending for Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Lacroix has matured at Palace. He had his moments earlier in his career. There was one meltdown at Wolfsburg when he attacked a wall after being hooked in the first half against Bayern Munich.
But that was an outlier. Youth coaches at Sochaux recall a boy of unusual intelligence, able to engage on various topics. His mother Corinne is a doctor and has been a sounding board throughout his career, helping with nutrition and psychological advice.
Lacroix has emerged as a leader, becoming a vice-captain at Palace. He is popular with teammates and supporters – even going so far as to buy a drink for every supporter in row five at Selhurst Park at the opening home game in August to mark his shirt number.
His performances during the first half of the season earned him a name-check in Jamie Carragher’s team of the Premier League season at the turn of the year. Guehi just got the nod ahead of him. But the England man’s departure has been good for both men.
Lacroix has since added another trophy to his collection, winning the UEFA Conference League – his third piece of silverware in two seasons at the club. But he has also demonstrated leadership credentials. That will encourage Chelsea that he is growing.
The player himself has acknowledged that he has needed to talk a little more without his erstwhile skipper around and he has responded to that responsibility. For scouts looking for the total package, the developments of 2026 might have ticked the last box.
Maxence Lacroix’s defensive action areas for Crystal Palace in the Premier League
His presence at the World Cup underlines his rise. One year ago, Lacroix said that he knew he would play for France one day. Two years ago, he cited it as a target when moving to Palace. “We talked about this,” revealed Glasner. “That was his big dream.”
Maybe Chelsea is the next dream. What impact could he have? Well, he will be a force in both boxes. Lacroix ranks among the top 10 defenders for expected goals from set pieces. But his main job would be to help tighten up a defence that has held them back.
On average, Chelsea conceded fewer than 30 Premier League goals per season over a 12-year period between 2003 and 2015. Last season, for the third season in a row, they conceded more than 50. There is a belated appreciation of the need for experience.
Lacroix brings that and more. He is not a prodigy like so many of Chelsea’s signings. “He deserves all the credit because he has worked so hard,” explained Glasner. He is a little different. But that could just make him one of their most important signings yet.
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