The 26-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge with a wealth of top-level experience. He made 130 appearances for Wolfsburg during their time in the Bundesliga and then enjoyed two successful seasons with Palace, during which the Eagles won the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League.

Lacroix is also a senior France international and was part of his country’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America. He is currently enjoying a short holiday following that tournament before joining Alonso’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Chelsea manager, speaking ahead of our Sydney Super Cup fixture against Tottenham, is pleased to have added Lacroix to his squad and knows what to expect from the centre-back having faced him in Germany while in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

‘I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga,’ explained Alonso. ‘I think his progression and adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic – not just on the pitch but in terms of personality and leadership, he also has these attributes.

‘He is a very reliable player who will give us power in the defensive line. He has an assurance that will have a big, direct impact on the team, I'm sure. So it’s a great signing for now and for the future.

‘He has a strong personality, he is mature, and he wants to win. He has a winner’s mentality and also loves to defend. That is something I like as well.’