Maxence Lacroix might be playing his final game at Selhurst Park today when Crystal Palace face Arsenal. A huge update on his future has landed, suggesting the French defender is headed for a transfer this summer.
It’s claimed that a transfer for Lacroix is already “scheduled” and that he is expected to move for around €40m. His contract runs until 2029, but a summer exit might well be on the cards if reports are true.
The 26-year-old’s situation might explain why Palace have been linked with several defenders in recent months. Here, Read Crystal Palace looks at five possible contenders to take the Frenchman’s place if he leaves.
Ousmane Diomande
Palace have long been linked with Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and the Ivorian had been viewed as a Marc Guehi replacement. The problem was that his club inserted a €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract.
Recent reports suggest Sporting are willing to listen to offers below that fee. The Eagles remain admirers of the 22-year-old, who is one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs.
Diomande is a dominant presence in the Portuguese club’s backline and brilliant on the ball. If he were to be signed, it would be a massive statement and some way to replace Lacroix.
Joel Ordonez
Palace tried to sign Joel Ordonez in January, but Club Brugge refused to part with the Ecuadorian. Much to the 22-year-old’s frustration, as he revealed he was left “angered” after missing out on a switch to Selhurst Park.
With the season over, the Belgian outfit might now consider a sale to secure the best possible price for the player. They reportedly value him at around £35m, and he’s another player the club felt could replace Guehi.
Ordonez is excellent in the air and has a knack for coming up with the odd goal. He’s posted three goals in 23 Jupiler Pro League games this season.
Yann Bisseck
The latest defender to be linked with Palace is Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck and the German could be available this summer. He’s another centre-back the club previously tried signing and in fact failed with a reported €30m bid.
If the South London outfit want to sign him this summer they could be looking at paying €40m. The 25-year-old has three years left on his contract at the San Siro.
Bisseck has plenty of experience, having been part of an Inter team that has won two Serie A titles. His stock has grown in Italy and his physical profile might suit the Premier League.
Charlie Cresswell
Palace could look to replace Lacroix with an Englishman but not one currently playing in the English top-flight. Charlie Cresswell appears to be admired by the South Londoners amid a fine spell in Toulouse.
The Eagles were interested in signing Cresswell in January but didn’t make their move for the 23-year-old. If they do wish to swoop for him this summer, they reportedly face competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Preston-born centre-back possesses a warrior-esque profile and is dominant in the air. He’s impressed throughout his time in Ligue 1.
Natan
Natan is a name that keeps on coming up in Palace’s transfer rumour mill. The Brazilian is a wanted man and West Ham United, Bournemouth and Brentford are all thought to be keeping tabs.
The 25-year-old only joined Real Betis last summer and is already being talked up for a Premier League switch. If the Eagles want him at Selhurst Park they might have to fork out £45m.
There’s much to like about Natan, who has earned comparisons to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes. A left-footed centre-back who is composed on the ball and a nuisance in the air.
