- Maxence Lacroix attracting top European interest
- Palace in great position with contract length
- Another year with Palace could favour Lacroix
Crystal Palace central defender Maxence Lacroix is currently away with France for the World Cup but after a stellar season in South London, he is attracting keen interest this summer. Lacroix has reportedly been discussed as a potential option by numerous clubs.
Increasing transfer links are unsurprising considering Lacroix’s form at Palace over the last two seasons. The Frenchman has been simply phenomenal during his time at Selhurst Park, and played a defining role in Palace’s success over the last 14 months.
Signed for just £14.9m two years ago, Laxcroix still has three years on his current deal at Selhurst, which puts the South London club in an excellent negotiating position should they wish to sell.
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Lacroix’s admirers will raise eyebrows
The significance of Maxence Lacroix on Oliver Glasner’s side, which will now be taken over by Pierre Sage, cannot be understated.
Not only has he matured into a truly superb central defender, but he has also done so with few errors and a seemingly flawless transition into Premier League football.
Now, it is being reported that some of the World’s biggest clubs are interested in persuading Palace to part ways with one of their star players. Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United are amongst the admirers of the player.
The report suggests that Lacroix is at a stand-off with the club in contract talks, but even if a new deal has not been agreed, with three years left on his current terms, Palace are in a strong position in negotiations.
The South London club would surely be looking to make a healthy profit, and with the likes of Jean-Paul van Hecke departing Brighton for upwards of £50m with just a year left on his deal, the fee Palace could reasonably attract for Lacroix should be north of that figure.
Palace shouldn’t sell
With Pierre Sage now all but confirmed as Palace manager, the club should look to maintain their core group of players for the incoming boss. Lacroix’s development suggests he will only continue to improve, and therefore there should be no motivation for Palace to sell.
Delaying a potential departure by even one year would not impact the potential fee, and in fact, likely increase it, and Palace’s chances of sporting success on the pitch simultaneously.
The reality is Palace’s pre-planning when Lacroix was signed has now benefitted the club. A five-year deal has paid off, prioritising Palace in a negotiation and on-pitch perspective.
Lacroix has been immense and could undoubtedly play at the highest level. His consistency would see him thrive at a big club, and his recovery pace will always make him stand out. For now though, he should remain focused on Palace.
