Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea have finally confirmed the addition of Maxence Lacroix to their first team squad, with him set to bring an end to a number of defenders’ careers at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues identified Lacroix as the perfect candidate for new manager Xabi Alonso, potentially due to his experience in playing in a back three at Crystal Palace.
There is plenty of excitement about the potential partnership with Levi Colwill, with the duo complementing each other very well on paper.
Xabi Alonso only wants ‘four or five’ centre-backs at Chelsea next season
However, there are still plenty of other options currently available in the squad to play centre-back, and many see it as too many for a side not in Europe.
Alonso was questioned on this by Bobby Vincent, and when asked how many centre-backs he wants in his side, he said: “four or five.”
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Maxence Lacroix
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Without counting Jorrel Hato and Reece James, who can both play other roles, Chelsea have nine centre-backs currently on their books ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Colwill and Lacroix are certainties to stay, with Wesley Fofana likely to stay due to his lucrative wages putting off any potential interested party.
Alonso reportedly likes Tosin Adarabioyo, and his experience alongside the incoming Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson will be important to some of the younger players at the club.
This leaves Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah, with there only space for two of those players according to Alonso.
FBL-AUS-CHELSEA-WANDERERS
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Disasi has not been around first team duties for a while now, and looks set to leave after impressing on loan at West Ham last season.
Chalobah has been strongly linked with a move to Italy, however after Inter Milan’s signing of John Stones that looks a little bit more difficult to execute.
Badiashile played a key role in convincing Lacroix to join, but he has struggled to prove himself as a reliable option at Stamford Bridge due to varying injury issues.
Anselmino has spent the majority of his Chelsea career on loan, and it could be the fact that the club decide he will not reach the levels required to make it at the top level of English football.
This leaves Josh Acheampong, who started but struggled in Chelsea’s first pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers.
The youngster has been described as ‘untouchable’ in the past, but plenty of clubs remain interested in signing the Cobham graduate due to how high his potential is.
His sale would be seen as very frustrating for Blues fans, although will surely be a talking point for the rest of the campaign as Alonso looks to trim the fat in West London.