Chelsea are close to completing a deal to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, and the Athletic have taken a look at his qualities.
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Maxence Lacroix’s move to Chelsea is not official yet – but it’s being treated as a done deal by everyone.
The Athletic have just done a long read about the defender’s arrival with some really interesting insight into why Chelsea have signed him and what he can bring to the team.
They note that it’s the first time Chelsea have spent a transfer fee on a player over 26 since the summer of 2022. That’s interesting because it seems to show a change in strategy from the club, who have been criticised for ignoring the need for experience in the team.
Lacroix brings many missing ingredients to Chelsea
But it’s not just experience that Lacroix offers. He’s also fast, tall, physical and developing into a real leader.
“Too often [last season], Chelsea appeared vulnerable, ill-disciplined and unstable at the back, lacking composure and physicality,” Cerys Jones writes.
“A fully fit and available Levi Colwill will help enormously, but Lacroix’s aptitude to solve some of those problems demonstrates why Chelsea have invested in him.”
It’s a very smart move, for a reasonable price, and we think it can really make an instant impact on Chelsea’s level.
In other news…
Emmanuel Emegha has picked up a hamstring injury before the preseason tour, the worst possible thing to happen as he looks to impress his new manager.
Chelsea are going to need to trim their squad more than usual due to a lack of European football, and some data from the BBC shows by just how much.
