- Maxence Lacroix reportedly leaving Crystal Palace
- French defender’s transfer ‘scheduled’
- Might explain interest in centre-backs
Maxence Lacroix will reportedly be making his last appearance at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace face Arsenal today. The French defender has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.
According to RMC Sport‘s Fabrice Hawkins, Lacroix is set to make a transfer in the summer and it is “scheduled.” There have been no discussions over a contract extension and several Premier League clubs are keen.
Lacroix has been with Palace since August 2024 when he arrived from Wolfsburg in an £18m deal. He has been a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s team this season, featuring 54 times across competitions.
Maxence Lacroix ‘leaving’ Crystal Palace
Lacroix has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool in recent months. His contract expires in the summer of 2029 but it appears there have been no talks over extending his stay at Selhurst Park.
It means the 26-year-old might be bidding farewell to the Holmesdale Road End against the Premier League champions today. He is one of several players who could make their final home appearance for the Eagles.
Daichi Kamada is set to leave when his contract expires in June and Jefferson Lerma has snubbed a contract extension and could move to La Liga. They are following Glasner out of the exit door ahead of the Austrian’s departure at the end of the season.
It’s said that interested clubs will have to cough up at least €40 million to sign the French centre-back. He is eyeing a move to a UEFA Champions League club amid earning a call up to France’s World Cup squad.
Focus on the present
Palace need to ensure speculation over Lacroix doesn’t cause a distraction ahead of the biggest game of the season. That comes next Wednesday (May 27th) when the South London outfit head to Leipzig and face Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.
Losing Lacroix will be a massive blow, especially for a new manager eager to have the experienced Frenchman in his squad. But, for now, this is only a report, and there has been no confirmation from the club or the player of such plans.
Palace have been linked with several defenders, possibly due to Lacroix’s situation. Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck is the most recent name to be talked up for a potential move to Selhurst Park, while Real Betis’ Natan is also of interest.
