Fresh off his maiden call-up to the France national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, 26-year-old defender Maxence Lacroix is poised to make a high-profile club move this summer.

Since joining Crystal Palace from FC Sochaux in 2024, Lacroix has steadily established himself as a reliable presence in the Premier League. His consistent performances earned him a surprise inclusion in Didier Deschamps’s preliminary squad for next year’s tournament—an honor that underscores his rapid development on the European stage.

Chelsea make 55 million euro pursuit official

With the World Cup inching closer, Chelsea have identified Lacroix as the ideal defensive reinforcement. Insiders confirm that the Blues are finalizing terms for a €55 million deal that would bring the French international to Stamford Bridge once the competition concludes. The move would mark another high-profile transfer for the London club as they reshape their backline.

Could Lacroix start against Norway?

Although Lacroix has yet to feature from the start in France’s World Cup matches so far, his opportunity may arrive this Friday against Norway. Assistant manager Guy Stéphan indicated in a pre-match briefing that William Saliba will miss the fixture, hinting at a potential starting berth for the 26-year-old. The defensive reshuffle extends beyond Lacroix—Ibrahima Konaté, another French defender, recently completed a blockbuster switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid on a long-term contract.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst