Jaydee Canvot is ready to step up for Crystal Palace after the departures of Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix, but Pierre Sage still requires another experienced centre-back.
Guéhi joined Manchester City midway through last season, while Chelsea have agreed a deal worth around £51million for Lacroix. Palace are therefore preparing to lose two defenders who provided leadership, recovery speed and experience in central areas. Sky Sports reports that Lacroix has been given permission to complete his Chelsea move.
Canvot cannot replace every quality they offered. The 20-year-old has nevertheless done enough during his first season in England to deserve a prominent role.
Why Jaydee Canvot is ready to step up
Palace signed Canvot from Toulouse in September 2025 as a long-term defensive project. His progress happened faster than expected following Guéhi’s departure.
The French defender made 20 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign and established himself in the starting side during the run-in. The Premier League identified Canvot as a regular starter after Guéhi left, with only Canvot, Lacroix and Dean Henderson completing the full 90 minutes in each of Palace’s four league matches before Gameweek 36.
Canvot is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and has the speed to defend away from his own penalty area. Those qualities should suit Sage’s aggressive defensive structure.
The Palace head coach wants his back line to advance rather than retreat. ReadCrystalPalace reported that Sage repeatedly told his players to move higher during the goalless Como Cup match against Famalicão.
Canvot’s ability to carry the ball forward and play through pressure gives Palace a natural option on the right or in the middle of a back three. He can also step into midfield when possession is secure.
Lens defeat exposed the remaining risk
Canvot produced an important block against Lens and attempted to move Palace forward from defence. However, Sage’s side conceded three times during the opening 23 minutes.
ReadCrystalPalace’s player ratings gave Canvot 4/10 after a difficult collective defensive performance.
The defeat was not primarily his responsibility. Palace’s wing-backs advanced early, while the three centre-backs were left covering large spaces against quick forwards.
Similar situations will occur during the Premier League season. Canvot has the physical ability to recover, but his positioning and communication will continue developing through experience.
Guéhi regularly organised the players around him. Lacroix could rescue difficult situations with his speed and strength in individual duels. Asking Canvot to assume both responsibilities immediately would create unnecessary pressure.
Chris Richards can provide experience alongside him, while Chadi Riad remains another central option. Palace still need a defender capable of organising Sage’s high line and competing immediately for a starting position.
Palace should promote Canvot and sign another defender
Palace should not respond to Lacroix’s departure by blocking Canvot’s pathway with two expensive senior signings.
The Frenchman has already demonstrated that he belongs at first-team level. Regular football alongside a more experienced defender would allow him to develop without carrying the entire defensive rebuild.
Sage’s system could accelerate that progress. Canvot will receive plenty of possession and must make decisions in exposed areas, placing greater responsibility on his passing and positioning.
Palace must still recruit carefully. A quick centre-back with leadership qualities would protect the structure while allowing Canvot to retain a starting role.
Canvot is ready to replace one of Palace’s departing defenders. He should not be expected to replace both.
