Chelsea have signed Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix for £52m, giving new head coach Xabi Alonso an experienced centre-back ahead of his first season in charge. The move signals a shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy after a disappointing 10th-place Premier League finish, with the club seeking more immediate leadership and physicality rather than relying solely on younger prospects.

The 26-year-old France international has signed until 2032 after making 55 appearances for Palace last season, when they won the Uefa Conference League. Lacroix, who joined Palace from Wolfsburg for an initial £15.5m in 2024, is Chelsea’s third summer signing after Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra; the club are also reportedly discussing moves for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.