**Maxence Lacroix’s Chelsea move has been officially completed, with the France international signing a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.**
Chelsea have signed the 26-year-old centre-back from Crystal Palace ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first competitive campaign as manager.
Lacroix said Chelsea’s history and winning tradition made completing the move a proud moment.
“The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute,” Lacroix told [Chelsea’s official website](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/maxence-lacroix-signs-for-chelsea).
The defender also revealed that his conversations with Alonso convinced him that they share the same ambitions for the club.
Lacroix arrives with significant Premier League and European experience after making 98 appearances across two seasons with Palace.
He helped the Eagles win the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League before earning his first senior France call-up in March.
Lacroix later made three appearances at the World Cup as France finished fourth. His recovery speed, aerial ability and experience defending large spaces should suit Alonso’s preferred defensive approach.
[ReadChelsea reported before his medical](https://readchelsea.com/2026/07/24/chelsea-set-to-complete-major-deal-for-france-defender/) that Chelsea were finalising a deal worth around £52million. The club have not disclosed the final fee in their announcement.
The signing will increase competition across Chelsea’s defence and could lead to further departures before the transfer window closes.
Lacroix can operate in a back three or four and already understands the physical demands of English football. He should therefore require less adaptation than a younger defender arriving from another league.
Chelsea have secured their leading centre-back target before the new season. Alonso must now decide where Lacroix fits within his preferred starting defence.