Crystal Palace are facing a major test of resolve over Maxence Lacroix, with reports in France claiming Chelsea are now expected to push through a deal after the 2026 World Cup.
FootballTransfers, citing L’Equipe, reports that the Blues are set to sign the Palace centre-back for around €55 million once his tournament involvement with France is complete.
That changes the tone of the story from monitoring to movement.
Palace have already seen the Chelsea link build across the window, including the previously reported Lacroix price pressure, but a defined post-World Cup framework would leave Steve Parish with a sharper decision.
Palace cannot treat Lacroix as a routine sale
Lacroix has become more than a saleable asset. His rise into the France squad, capped by a full 90 minutes in the 4-1 win over Norway, has hardened the sense that Palace are holding a defender whose market is still climbing.
The problem is timing. Pierre Sage is trying to build a new defensive structure, and losing a commanding centre-back immediately after an international breakthrough would force Palace back into the market under pressure.
At €55 million, this is not a fee Palace can dismiss. But if Chelsea are serious, the Eagles must make the replacement plan as important as the number, particularly with Sage’s first summer already shaped by European demands.
