Maxence Lacroix is finally cashing in on his gamble
The waiting game ended on Thursday. Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Maxence Lacroix, who has put pen to paper on a deal until 2032. The French defender leaves Crystal Palace after a season that pushed him into a different bracket in the eyes of English football.
That move, worth around 60 million euros, was not some sudden breakout. Lacroix has been building his career at his own pace for years. After starting out in France, he chose to keep learning his trade in Germany before heading to the Premier League, far from the noise that usually surrounds the most highly rated young French players.
Crystal Palace gave him the platform to kick on
His spell with the Eagles will go down as a major turning point in his career. Match after match, the centre-back grew in confidence until he became a key part of the squad. Oliver Glasner put his faith in him and the Frenchman kept delivering all season long.
That consistency was crucial to his rise. Crystal Palace enjoyed one of the best campaigns in their history, and Maxence Lacroix played a big part in it. His form also earned him a place with France and a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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Chelsea now gives him a whole new test
At Stamford Bridge, the scene will be very different. The pressure will be greater and the competition much fiercer. The 26-year-old defender does arrive with one useful edge, though: he already knows what English football demands and has shown he can handle the grind at the top level.
In the space of a few months, Maxence Lacroix has gone from being a reliable Premier League defender to a sought-after France international wanted by one of Europe’s biggest clubs. The hard part starts now.
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Photo credit : LOU BENOIST / AFP
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