Chelsea Football Club has signed French midfielder Maxence Lacroix from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old player was part of the Crystal Palace team that won the FA Cup in 2025 and the Conference League in May. [1] The transfer fee is reported to be £52 million, a significant sum for a young player with recent success at both clubs. [2] Lacroix's move comes after Crystal Palace manager made it clear they would not extend his contract, leaving him as an option for other teams.