Chelsea has completed the signing of defender Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg for a reported fee of €60 million, according to L’Équipe. The move adds another player to an already expansive Chelsea squad, currently boasting 38 contracted players. The acquisition comes as Chelsea continues its summer transfer activity, seeking to bolster its defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Lacroix, 24, joins a Chelsea side that has been heavily criticized for its bloated squad size and frequent player loans. The club, under the ownership of Todd Boehly, has been active in the transfer market, bringing in a significant number of players over the past two seasons. Despite offloading players, Chelsea still possesses one of the largest squads in the English top flight, exceeding the league average of 29.2 players as of July 30th.
The arrival of Lacroix further intensifies competition within the Chelsea defense. Reece James and Malo Gusto are options at right-back, while the central defensive positions now include Lacroix alongside Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoît Badiashile. Aaron Anselmino and Axel Disasi have also returned from loan spells, adding further depth.
Chelsea’s midfield appears to be the least crowded area of the pitch, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez forming a key partnership. However, the attacking positions are heavily populated, with multiple options vying for starting roles. The club has also recently signed Geovany Quenda from Sporting for €50 million, further adding to their attacking depth. The Blues will need to navigate squad size restrictions, being limited to 25 players in the Premier League, and will not participate in European competition next season.
The signing of Lacroix and the overall squad composition suggest Chelsea is prioritizing depth and competition as they aim to rebuild and challenge for honors in the coming seasons. The club’s ability to integrate these players and create a cohesive team will be crucial to their success.
