Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has signed French international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for a reported £52 million, marking a significant boost to the club's defensive line.
Alonso praised Lacroix's "strong personality" and "winner's mentality" during a press conference in Sydney, where Chelsea is currently on a pre-tour. He noted that the 26-year-old's progression in the Premier League has been "fantastic", both on and off the pitch.
Lacroix, who has won seven caps for France and played at the recent World Cup, has agreed a six-year contract with the Blues. He joins Chelsea after making 98 appearances for Palace, where he won the FA Cup, the UEFA Conference League, and the Community Shield.
The new signing is part of a busy close-season for Chelsea, which has seen the club spend a British record £117 million on Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and £47 million on Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha have also joined the club in transfers initially agreed in 2025.
Alonso's praise for Lacroix is a significant endorsement of the player's abilities. "He has these attributes and is a very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line and will have a big direct impact in the team, I'm sure," the manager said.
Lacroix has a strong track record, having played a key role in Palace's successes in recent years. His move to Chelsea will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, particularly given the club's disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
As Chelsea prepares for the new season, the signing of Lacroix is a significant statement of intent from the club. Alonso is working to revitalise the team, and the arrival of the French international is a major coup.
Chelsea's pre-season preparations are underway, with the club set to face several high-profile opponents in the coming weeks. The team will be looking to make a strong impression, particularly given the signing of Lacroix.
Source: Yahoo Sports
