Maxence Lacroix could depart Crystal Palace for Chelsea this summer.
L’Equipe in France believe the Frenchman is edging closer to a €55m (£47m) move to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea prepare for a new era under Xabi Alonso.
BBC Sport believe Crystal Palace would like Lacroix to sign a new deal – although it is unclear whether the France international is willing to pen an extension at this stage, considering he still has three years remaining on his current terms.
If this deal materialises as L’Equipe expect it to do, we believe Ecuador international Joel Ordonez could be the man to replace the 26-year-old at Selhurst Park.
How much is Maxence Lacroix worth? 🤔
The Frenchman still has three years left on his contract 📝
Why Joel Ordonez to Crystal Palace might be on
Back in February, the Eagles sent Club Brugge a bid for the South American after losing Marc Guehi to Manchester City – according to The Athletic.
Het Laatste Nieuws believe it was worth €40m (£35m) – and that the defender could have even doubled his salary had he made the move to SE25.
Ryan Taylor of the Mirror and Football London added that it was a record offer in Belgium and would have been the “biggest sale in Belgian Jupiler Pro League history” had Club Brugge accepted, but they were understandably unwilling to lose the 22-year-old during the middle of the season.
Now – however – we think a deal could happen if Lacroix moves to Chelsea.
Ordonez is currently shining for Ecuador at the World Cup, most recently helping his country record a historic 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday to seal a spot in the Round of 32.
The more the Club Brugge No.4 impresses at the World Cup, the harder it may become for Crystal Palace to sign him – although the foundations for a deal seem to have been laid given how long the Eagles have tracked the Ecuadorian.
The aforementioned Taylor claimed in August 2025 that Crystal Palace were keen on signing Ordonez, and he appears open to leaving Club Brugge considering personal terms had been agreed with Marseille at that stage. The French giants ultimately failed to agree a fee with Club Brugge.
If not Ordonez, the replacement for Lacroix could be Josh Acheampong at Chelsea – a player Crystal Palace asked about after losing Guehi in January, according to the Standard.
Either of these defenders would be stellar signings in our eyes, with both considerably younger than Lacroix too. Ordonez is 22 – while the precocious Acheampong is only 20.
Crystal Palace’s fixtures are out for the 2026/27 season! Which game are you most excited for? 🤔
However, considering Crystal Palace came very close to signing Igor Julio on loan from Brighton last summer in what would have been a bizarre deal, the fanbase could still end up being left disappointed.
