Chelsea have secured their main defensive target after Maxence Lacroix signed a six-year deal from Crystal Palace in a £52m transfer. The France international becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer, joining Xabi Alonso's side.
Lacroix's move to Stamford Bridge
Lacroix, 26, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace, has been the Blues' primary defensive target this window. He played three times for France at the World Cup, including their 6-4 bronze medal match defeat to England.
“I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” Lacroix said. “Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment. I think it’s the best move for me because it’s the best club in the world. When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club. We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it’s something that we can achieve. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.”
Defensive overhaul at Chelsea
Chelsea had been seeking to add experience to their back line after missing out on Rennes' Jérémy Jacquet in January, who joined Liverpool. Levi Colwill, a key part of long-term plans, missed almost all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah formed the central-defensive partnership for much of the campaign.
After a dismal season that saw the club finish 10th, the club's hierarchy has acknowledged a change in recruitment policy, refocusing from young, inexperienced players towards those who can help compete for the title. Lacroix, who made 55 appearances last season for Palace, has been one of the league's most consistent defenders since moving from Wolfsburg in 2024.
Other Chelsea signings
The Blues confirmed the club-record arrival of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers last week, and have also added Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, and Sporting Lisbon's Geovany Quenda. Chelsea also look set to sign Brighton's Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson after his contract with Brentford was terminated.
John Stones joins Inter
John Stones has joined Inter on a two-year contract, the Serie A club announced. The England centre-back was a free agent after leaving Manchester City and had attracted interest across Europe. The 32-year-old ended his 10-year stay at City in June, making 295 appearances after joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a Champions League.
