Rewarded for an outstanding season with a call-up to the France national team for the 2026 World Cup, defender Maxence Lacroix may not return to Crystal Palace after the tournament. The 26-year-old, heavily linked with Chelsea in recent days, is expected to join the Blues in a deal valued at approximately €55 million.
From Bleus to Blues? Called up for the first time to the France squad during the March international break, Maxence Lacroix was one of the surprises on Didier Deschamps‘ list for the 2026 World Cup. This selection rewards the steady rise of the player, who came through the ranks at Sochaux before joining Crystal Palace in 2024—a club he is likely to leave this summer.
Lacroix heading to Chelsea after the World Cup
Maxence Lacroix is a wanted man, with Chelsea leading the chase. The Blues are looking to bolster their defence, and the French international—who has earned four caps—fits the mould perfectly. It is now expected that he will indeed leave Crystal Palace for Chelsea once the World Cup concludes, with a transfer fee in the region of €55 million.
A starting spot against Norway?
Having stayed on the bench so far in the competition, Maxence Lacroix could be handed a start in place of William Saliba this Friday against Norway in France’s final group match. “William won’t be there tomorrow,” Guy Stéphan confirmed in a press conference. “You just have to look at who replaced him in recent games.” In the same position, Lacroix is not the only one changing clubs this summer—Ibrahima Konaté has already done so. Despite a contract extension being the likelier outcome, the 27-year-old has left Liverpool to join Real Madrid, signing a deal until June 2030.
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