- Maxence Lacroix’s contract doesn’t force Palace to sell
- Lack of interested clubs aids Palace
- A strong World Cup could change that
Maxence Lacroix has had a stellar campaign with Crystal Palace, and the Frenchman was rewarded for his efforts with a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad at the World Cup.
Naturally, for a player of his quality, there have been rumours of interest in his services; however, a report from Football365 suggesting that Lacroix is ‘available’ for transfer seems wide of the mark.
In an article highlighting the best central defenders available for transfer this summer, Lacroix’s name was included. But is the Frenchman actually available, and if so, how much is he worth?
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Lacroix shouldn’t be sold
The Frenchman is contracted until the Summer of 2029, three seasons away.
The article in question does accept that the only way Lacroix leaves would be the natural evolution of the ‘football food chain’; however, it seems extremely unlikely, bordering on impossible, that Palace would even consider selling him.
Whilst he’d undoubtedly be a brilliant addition to almost any side in World football, Lacroix seems to be happy at Palace.
The connection he’s built with the fanbase is immense and has created many fond moments, especially through the passion he shows after wins.
The centre-back market is extremely lightweight at the moment, with a lack of strong quality across the board.
Lacroix offers consistency, composure and a truly staggering recovery pace, which sees him outrun the majority of forwards he faces.
A lack of suitable destinations
There is also a huge lack of clubs that one would consider a good fit for Lacroix. His best football is played as a wide centre half, where he can use his one-on-one defending and pace to influence the game.
It’s a struggle to think of any clubs in England that play the way to suit him, with the back five very much not in fashion.
However, Lacroix could certainly play and perform well in a back four, so interest in his availability is expected, especially given his experience as a central defender at times when Guéhi was still at the club.
At 26, he’s still got time for a transfer to a Champions League squad, and therefore he shouldn’t rush into leaving Selhurst Park.
