Maxence Lacroix joins Chelsea in £52m deal
The French defender moves from Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on a six-year contract under manager Xabi Alonso.
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No named Barnet source or local angle; both outlets rely on Chelsea FC PR.
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Headlines overstate local significance; story is purely sports transfer news.
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Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace for £52 million, according to The Standard. The club announced the transfer of the French defender on Thursday. Lacroix has signed a six-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2032.
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Lacroix is the third player to join the club under the management of Xabi Alonso. He follows the arrival of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million and Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million, as reported by The Standard. Other players already linked to the squad include Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, and Dastan Satpayev. The club has also reached agreements for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
“I think it’s the best move for me because it’s the best club in the world.”
Maxence Lacroix, Chelsea player
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Before signing, the 26-year-old defender spoke with manager Xabi Alonso and several teammates. Lacroix told Chelsea's official website that he spoke with Malo Gusto, Trevah Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile. He also spoke with Alonso on the phone to discuss tactics and the manager's vision for the game.
Lacroix is currently on holiday following France's participation in the World Cup. He will join the Chelsea squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Questions this report answers
+How much did Chelsea pay Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix?
Chelsea paid £52 million to Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix. This makes him the third most expensive signing under Xabi Alonso’s management, following Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.
+How long is Maxence Lacroix’s contract with Chelsea?
Maxence Lacroix has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2032. This deal reflects the club’s long-term commitment to the French defender under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
+Who else has joined Chelsea under Xabi Alonso?
Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have also signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million and Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million. Lacroix is the third player to join the club during Alonso’s management.
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