Baghdad: English club Chelsea have signed French defender Lacroix until 2032. Chelsea Football Club announced on Thursday the signing of French international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on a six-year contract.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the club stated in a press release: "The 26-year-old defender has signed a contract with Chelsea until 2032 and will join his new teammates before the start of the 2026-2027 season." Lacroix expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating: "Everyone knows the history of this great club, and I am proud to join it."

Lacroix has made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace since joining from Wolfsburg in 2014, delivering impressive performances that contributed to their FA Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield triumphs. He also has seven caps for France and was part of their squad for the 2016 World Cup.

The Frenchman, Maxence Lacroix, is Chelsea's latest signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of English striker Morgan Rodgers, Italian full-back Marco Palestra, Portuguese midfielder Giovanni Coentra, and Dutch defender Emmanuel Emega, as part of the club's plan to return to contention for domestic and European titles.