Maxens Lacroa officially joins Chelsea
Defender Maxens Lacroa has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace for £52 million, becoming one of several summer signings under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea completed the signing of Maxens Lacroa from Crystal Palace on 30 July 2026 in a deal worth £52 million, the club announced on Friday.
The 24-year-old defender arrives in west London to bolster Chelsea's back line after impressing for Palace. The transfer marks one of Chelsea's higher-profile moves of the summer window.
Summer rebuild under Xabi Alonso
Lacroa joins Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra as summer additions for new manager Xabi Alonso. The club have moved quickly to reshape the squad following Alonso's appointment, prioritising defensive reinforcements.
Sources inside the club say Chelsea are also expecting veteran forwards Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson to complete moves to the club in the coming days, as the Blues aim to add experience alongside younger recruits.
The fee of £52 million reflects Chelsea's willingness to invest this summer as they prepare for a season in which they hope Alonso's methods will translate into immediate improvement on the pitch.
The club have not released further medical or contract details; further updates are expected as remaining summer business is finalised.
Photo: press material from the event
