Crystal Palace ended a hectic 13th July with two Chelsea pursuits still unresolved, a fresh Women’s Super League signing on the table and a reminder from the club’s own history of how easily a big fish can slip the net. Pierre Sage’s first summer at Selhurst Park is only a week old, yet the balancing act between keeping his spine intact and letting Palace’s academy graduates emerge is already the most delicate the club has faced in years.
The pace has not let up. Chelsea renewed contact over Maxence Lacroix less than 24 hours before his World Cup semi-final appearance for France, Adam Wharton’s suitors are still testing the water at an £80m-plus valuation, and Crystal Palace Women moved to strengthen their forward line 48 hours before their return to the top flight. Add in an old story about the one that got away, and Tuesday’s edition of Talking Points has plenty of ground to cover. Is Wharton really worth more than Manchester City paid for two midfielders combined last summer? Palace’s stance suggests they think so.
What is the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Maxence Lacroix?
Chelsea have renewed contact over a move for Lacroix, according to a fresh update from Sky Sports, with Fabrizio Romano reporting the centre-back has emerged as Xabi Alonso’s top defensive target. L’Equipe has the fee at around €55m (£47m), while Palace are said to value Lacroix closer to £60m, leaving a gap still to close. Chelsea have discussed including a player, with Trevoh Chalobah’s name previously floated as a makeweight. Any breakthrough looks more likely once Lacroix and France’s World Cup involvement is settled following Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain.
Are Palace under any pressure to sell Adam Wharton?
Not according to Palace’s own conduct. Chelsea have contacted Wharton’s representatives, but there has been no club-to-club approach, and Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have all cooled their interest given Palace’s valuation of £80m-£100m. Wharton is contracted until 2029, and with the Eagles preparing for another European campaign, there is no obvious incentive to negotiate unless an offer arrives that the club simply cannot turn down.
What’s happening with Crystal Palace’s academy midfielders?
Supporters used the pre-season buildup to make the case for keeping hold of homegrown talent. Fans have called on Pierre Sage to give David Ozoh a proper look in pre-season rather than sanction another loan or a permanent exit, after the 21-year-old made 35 appearances and scored twice during a productive spell at Derby County. Ozoh has previously been discussed as a possible long-term option to eventually succeed Jefferson Lerma in Palace’s midfield.
What have Crystal Palace Women done before their WSL return?
It has been a significant 24 hours for Jo Potter’s squad. Palace confirmed Ashleigh Weerden has signed a new contract until June 2028, rewarding the attacker after she set a WSL2 record with 10 assists during last season’s promotion campaign. Palace are also reportedly set to sign former Tottenham captain Bethany England on a free transfer, with the Guardian confirming Spurs opted not to renew her contract. England scored seven goals in 19 WSL appearances last season and would give Potter an established focal point alongside Weerden as Palace prepare for life back in the top flight.
What did Simon Jordan reveal about Palace’s transfer history?
Away from this summer’s business, former owner Simon Jordan used a talkSPORT interview to reveal Palace’s attempt to sign a teenage John Terry on loan from Chelsea in 2000. Jordan said Chelsea chairman Ken Bates rejected the approach in blunt terms, and Terry went on to make 717 appearances for Chelsea, winning 17 major honours. It is a reminder of the fine margins that separate a club’s history from what might have been.
Crystal Palace summer 2026 talking points: the numbers so far
| Player | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Óscar Mingueza | IN (confirmed, 9 July) | Four-year deal from Celta Vigo, free transfer |
| Ashleigh Weerden | RETAINED (confirmed) | New contract to June 2028 |
| Bethany England | IN (reported) | Free transfer from Tottenham |
| Maxence Lacroix | LINKED OUT (Chelsea) | Reported fee gap: €55m (Chelsea) vs £60m (Palace valuation) |
| Adam Wharton | LINKED OUT (Chelsea) | Contact only; Palace valuation £80m-£100m |
| David Ozoh | DECISION PENDING | Back from Derby loan; fans want first-team chance |
Crystal Palace summer 2026 talking points: quick facts
Have Palace sold a first-team player this summer? No. As of 13th July 2026, no senior first-team departure has been confirmed; Lacroix and Wharton remain Palace players amid Chelsea interest.
Has Palace Women’s squad been strengthened for the WSL? Partially. Ashleigh Weerden has signed a new contract to 2028, and Bethany England is reported close to a free-transfer arrival, though the England move is not yet officially confirmed by the club.
Is there a resolution date for the Lacroix saga? Not yet. Reports suggest any breakthrough is more likely once France’s World Cup run concludes after Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain.
Has Adam Wharton had any formal transfer offers? No. As of 13th July 2026, Chelsea have only contacted his representatives; there has been no club-to-club bid.
