The chef’s surprise. On May 14, Didier Deschamps unveiled his list of 26 for the 2026 World Cup. Among them, Maxence Lacroix. The Crystal Palace defender was not guaranteed to be on the trip, he who showed up in the home stretch during the rally last March. His attitude and his qualities were appreciated by the French staff, who therefore made a place for him this summer. At 26, the Frenchman is experiencing his first World Cup. For the moment, it is in the shoes of a replacement that he began this experience. But tomorrow, he should start against Norway on the third and final day in Group I. He should thus replace William Saliba, who will be able to rest his back.
For Lacroix, this is a new step forward in a thoughtfully constructed career. Having passed through FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in particular, where he finished his pre-training and started in the professional world, he then joined Wolfsburg before moving to Crystal Palace, where he wanted to take a further step as he admitted on the FFF website. “Yes, especially by choosing Palace because I was arriving in a championship, the Premier League, where the best players play. We compete against the best teams every weekend, they push you to give your best. When I arrived, I told the coach: “I want to be in the French team”. It was a goal in the back of my mind. He replied: “focus on the club, the team and if you work well you will get what you want.” »
From the Blues to the Blues?
And he got what he dreamed of since he already has 4 caps with the A. What he showed in the rooster jersey convinced the staff. What he did at Crystal Palace too. This season, the native of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges participated in 55 matches in all competitions, including 53 as a starter. Regarding his stat line, he scored 3 goals and gave 3 assists. He also received only 6 yellow cards, in a position where we are rightly called upon (1 red card). His consistency, his defensive solidity and his self-control impressed Chelsea. It’s no secret, the Blues really appreciate his profile. But we are no longer at the stage of simple interest. Things become more concrete and serious.
This Thursday, theEvening Standard reveals that the residents of Stamford Bridge have started preliminary discussions for the transfer of the French international, who would be open to this option. Same story with Sky Sportswhich speaks of first contacts, as well as in the columns of Telegraph. The English media assures that Frenchy is the priority of Xabi Alonso who wants an experienced player ready for the Premier League. Lacroix, who spent two years with the Eagles, ticks all the boxes. Moreover, Crystal Palace expects to receive a proposal fairly quickly from the Blues, who could take advantage of the sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Como to replenish their coffers and finance this operation. THE Daily Mail goes even further and reveals that Chelsea are preparing a first proposal of around €58 million. Things should accelerate in the coming days or after the 2026 World Cup for Lacroix.
