Maxence Lacroix has become Crystal Palace’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window – find out everything you need to know about our newest Eagle below!
There are few places in the world that are more productive hubs of footballing talent than South London. Rio, Buenos Airies maybe, but one regularly tops the list: Paris.
Lacroix was born in Villeneuve Saint-Georges, a suburb of the French capital and just under 10km from the centre of the city.
The town itself has produced some stellar names in the past, including former Bordeaux and Newcastle man Yoan Gouffran and RB Salzburg up-and-comer Lucas Gourna-Douath.
After making his debut for first professional club Sochaux, Lacroix joined Wolfsburg in 2020 at just 20-years-old. There, he made his debut for the club under a charismatic Austrian manager by the name of Oliver Glasner.
He kept two clean sheets in his first two league games, and was unbeaten in his first 10. Wolfsburg finished fourth and earned Champions League qualification, with Lacroix playing 36 times across all competitions that season.
He played all six Champions League group games the following season, and has remained a key part of the side ever since, scoring four goals in 31 appearances in 2023/24 as Wolfsburg finished 12th.
Lacroix’s ability to bring the ball out from the back is what separates him from most defenders in the Bundesliga – but it is only worth noticing if it complements an already stellar defensive record.
His pass completion rate of 87.4 percent last season was the best in the Wolfsburg squad, as was his 57.9 percent tackle success rate.
Add to that his explosive pace – measuring 36.1 km/h last season to rank third across the entire division – and it creates a complete defender capable of transitioning to Premier League football.
Lacroix has been speaking to Palace TV for his first interview as a Crystal Palace player.
“I’m really happy – it’s like a dream for a young football player,” he said. “I’m really happy to be here and to arrive in this good team.
“I [saw] everything they had done last year. I watched the games and I was really surprised and really happy also for the coach, because I played with him before and when I had the first call with him I said: ‘OK, I think it’s the right moment to move in the Premier League’.”
Read the full interview, including his relationship with Oliver Glasner, his desire to contribute in both penalty areas and a message to the fans, by clicking HERE.