Expert: Front-runner named in Liverpool race to sign Crystal Palace 26-yr-old
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(Credit: Imago) Sun 31 May 2026 12:55, UK Maxence Lacroix is likely to be allowed to leave Crystal Palace this summer amid interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Chelsea.The 26-year-old has been a revelation at Selhurst Park and has played a huge role in helping his side lift the Conference League and the FA Cup in the last 12 months.Now European champions, Palace are making ambitious plans for the summer, although they remain at risk of losing their best players and fear the defender could move on.However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace would prefer to sell Lacroix to Bayern Munich rather than either Liverpool or Chelsea.The Eagles hope to avoid selling within the Premier League, in what could come as a new blow to Liverpool’s ambitious summer transfer plans. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Liverpool move to sign Maxence Lacroix?Football Insider exclusively revealed in October that Liverpool scouts have been impressed by Lacroix and have been keeping a close eye on his situation.His performances for Crystal Palace have attracted high-profile interest, and Liverpool are looking to bolster their defence after missing out on Marc Guehi last year.Maxence Lacroix2025-26 StatsAppearances35Starts35Minutes Played3087Duels Won (per 90)5.95Aerial Duels Won (per 90)3.47Tackles (per 90)1.75Interceptions (per 90)1.31Maxence Lacroix’s Premier League stats in 2025-26.
(via FotMob)However, the Eagles would prefer to sell to Bayern Munich if given the choice, meaning it could be difficult for the Reds to land their man this summer.“Crystal Palace might struggle to keep Lacroix around,” Brown told Football Insider.“He will be looking at the success his old partner Marc Guehi has had since he was allowed to leave in January, and he’ll be thinking he can replicate that.“There’s a lot of interest in the Premier League, but also from abroad as well.“Liverpool want a new centre-back and have been watching him, and Chelsea are in a similar position, they would like to bring him in this summer.“But Bayern Munich are also interested, and that could certainly appeal to the player and to Crystal Palace as well.“If they can help it, they would like to sell outside of the Premier League, so they could accept an offer from Bayern Munich before Liverpool or Chelsea.“It would allow him to move back to Germany where he has played before, and to a club who are almost guaranteed to win trophies and compete for the Champions League.“That would make sense as the next step for him after the success he’s at at Crystal Palace.”What will it cost to sign Lacroix from Crystal Palace?Lacroix has established himself as a crucial part of the Crystal Palace side since his arrival from Wolfsburg, but could now be set to take another step up.However, the club are keen not to undergo too much change following Oliver Glasner’s departure, and as a result are expected to demand a high price for his sale.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 26 May that Crystal Palace could cash in on Lacroix, but it would take a huge fee to lure him away from Selhurst Park.There are growing concerns about his future following his call-up for the France squad, where his teammates are likely to talk up the idea of a big move.Palace have already experienced issues with Jean-Philippe Mateta following his international recognition, and now believe the centre-back could be lured away. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.