Maxence Lacroix has completed his move from Crystal Palace to Chelsea after the two Premier League clubs agreed a £52million fee. The France international, who had made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge at the end of last season, has signed a six-year contract that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has given his seal of approval to the transfer, calling Lacroix a "great player" and the move a "really smart signing" for the west London club. Cahill, who knows Palace well from his time at Selhurst Park, believes the 26-year-old is at the perfect stage of his career to make the step up.
Cahill confident Lacroix can kick on
"He's a great player and it's a really smart signing," Cahill told Chelsea's official website. "I think he's at a great age now as well and he's had that experience of playing regularly in the Premier League. There's still plenty of years ahead of him to progress and learn. And to come to a club like Chelsea, it gives him that platform to kick on."
Cahill also pointed to Lacroix's international credentials, having represented France at the World Cup. "He's obviously been involved at the World Cup with the French national team and he's put himself on that platform and into that sort of pedigree now," he added. "But again, similar to when I moved to Chelsea, you get that opportunity to take your career to the next level."
The ex-England defender stressed that Lacroix is ready to embrace the challenge of playing for a club of Chelsea's stature. "I just think he's a great player, it's a really good signing, and a move that I'm sure he's really looking forward to getting stuck into and aiming to hit the ground running," Cahill said. "I was at Palace for a couple of years, and I enjoyed my time there. He's done the same and he's progressed while he's been there. It's a big move for him, but also for the club and it will be exciting to see him come through the door and get started here."
Seven new arrivals at Stamford Bridge
Lacroix's arrival is part of a significant overhaul of the Chelsea squad this summer. Alongside the Frenchman, the club have brought in Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck and Valentin Barco, giving Alonso plenty of new options ahead of the new campaign.
The 26-year-old did not feature in Chelsea's opening pre-season fixtures against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham, but he is reportedly expected to link up with his new team-mates in the coming days. With the Premier League season kicking off away to local rivals Fulham on August 24, Lacroix will be keen to build sharpness quickly.
Morris urges caution over Lacroix
While Cahill is clearly a fan of the signing, former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris has sounded a note of caution. Morris, who worked as Frank Lampard's assistant at Stamford Bridge from 2018 to 2021, said he was not surprised by Chelsea's interest given Lacroix's impressive form for Palace under Oliver Glasner last season.
"I thought Lacroix did great for Crystal Palace last year in a back three, but playing for Palace and Chelsea are two different things," Morris told BoyleSports. "I didn't think he played well for France. I was telling my friends that I would be interested to see how he does in a back four, because I've only ever seen him in a three."
Morris was particularly concerned by Lacroix's displays at the World Cup, especially in France's matches against Spain and England. "He had a very poor game against Spain and I didn't think he was great against England either, where they conceded six goals," he said.
Despite those reservations, Morris believes Lacroix could still prove a success at Chelsea if he adapts to Alonso's system. "He could suit the team, but I'm intrigued to see how Alonso sets us up," Morris added. "I hope he doesn't perform like that all the time if we are going for him."
With high expectations surrounding the £52m signing, Lacroix will be determined to justify the investment and show he can thrive in a back four under Alonso's leadership.
