Chelsea have completed the signing of France centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on a six-year contract running until summer 2032, after the clubs agreed a fee in the region of £51 million.
Lacroix becomes the first player aged 26 or over Chelsea have signed for a fee since summer 2022, and the club's fifth arrival of a summer in which spending has exceeded £250 million. He is the third signing of the Xabi Alonso era, following Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, after the club confirmed the record arrival of Rogers from Aston Villa last week. Chelsea also look set to sign Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
The 26-year-old, who appeared in 98 matches and helped Palace win the Conference League, FA Cup and Community Shield, spoke with manager Alonso and teammates Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile before finalising his decision.