Crystal Palace are facing a nervous summer as the meteoric rise of Maxence Lacroix has reportedly triggered a high-stakes transfer battle among Europe’s elite.
After only joining the Eagles from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for a modest €18 million, the 25-year-old Frenchman has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant — and fastest — centre-backs.
Now, according to recent reports, Oliver Glasner’s side is bracing for offers that could test their resolve to the limit.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich Lead the Chase for Maxence Lacroix
While Liverpool have long been credited with an interest in the defender as they seek a long-term successor to the likes of Virgil van Dijk or a replacement for the potentially departing Ibrahima Konate, they aren’t alone.
German titans Bayern Munich are understood to be the side currently pushing hardest. Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly a “huge admirer” of Lacroix’s profile — specifically his rare combination of recovery speed and technical ability on the ball.
With Chelsea and Aston Villa also keeping a close watch, the race for his signature is quickly becoming a four-way Premier League fight with a heavy Bundesliga shadow.
An International Breakthrough Increases the Pressure
The intensity of the interest in Maxence Lacroix has skyrocketed following his recent breakthrough into the French national team.
Replacing the injured William Saliba, Lacroix made his senior debut for Les Bleus in a 2-1 victory over Brazil, followed by a standout performance against Colombia.
This international recognition has seemingly elevated Lacroix into a new bracket of elite defenders.
For Palace, the timing is difficult. Having already lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January, the Selhurst Park faithful are desperate to avoid seeing another defensive cornerstone walk out the door so soon.
The £60 Million Price Tag
One saving grace for Crystal Palace is the contract situation. Lacroix is tied to the club until 2029 and, crucially, his deal does not contain a release clause. This puts Chairman Steve Parish in a strong negotiating position.
Sources suggest it would take a bid of at least £60 million to even get Palace to the table.
While that represents a massive profit on their initial investment, losing a player who has clocked top speeds of 35.39 km/h — the fastest of any centre-back in the league this season — would leave a gaping hole in Glasner’s backline.
Can Palace Convince Him to Stay?
Lacroix has spoken warmly about his time in South London and his desire to win silverware with the Eagles, specifically eyeing the Europa Conference League.
However, the lure of the Champions League and a guaranteed starting spot in Didier Deschamps’ 2026 World Cup plans may prove too tempting if a club like Bayern or Liverpool comes calling.
For now, Palace fans will be hoping that the club’s “no-sale” stance holds firm, but as the summer window approaches, the noise surrounding Maxence Lacroix is only going to get louder.
