Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as the Merseyside club continue an ambitious summer rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola.
The Reds are understood to be prepared to invest heavily in strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign, with Lacroix emerging as one of their leading defensive targets. Sources close to the situation suggest Liverpool are willing to offer around €70 million for the French centre-back, while personal terms are not expected to present any difficulties should talks progress.
Iraola is believed to be a huge admirer of the Palace defender and sees him as an ideal addition to his back line. With Ibrahima Konaté having departed Anfield, Liverpool are actively searching for a long-term replacement capable of forming a strong partnership alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Lacroix has enjoyed an impressive spell at Selhurst Park and has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. His pace, physical presence and composure in possession have attracted interest from several leading clubs across Europe, but Liverpool appear determined to move to the front of the queue.
The 26-year-old remains under contract at Crystal Palace, placing the South London club in a commanding position during any negotiations. Palace have no immediate need to sell and are expected to stand firm over their valuation of the player.
While Liverpool may be prepared to table an opening proposal worth €70 million, Palace are believed to value Lacroix considerably higher. The Eagles could demand a fee in excess of €80 million before entertaining the possibility of a sale.
That stance reflects both Lacroix’s importance to Oliver Glasner’s side and the growing strength of Palace’s position in the transfer market. Following another impressive season, the club are under less financial pressure than in previous years and can afford to resist offers that fall below their expectations.
Liverpool’s recruitment team are continuing to assess defensive options, but Lacroix remains high on their shortlist as preparations for the new season gather pace. The club’s hierarchy are backing Iraola’s plans and are prepared to spend significantly to ensure he has the tools required to challenge at the top end of the Premier League.
Whether Liverpool are willing to meet Palace’s valuation remains to be seen, but interest in the defender is genuine and discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
- For Crystal Palace, the situation is straightforward. Lacroix remains a key part of Glasner’s plans, and unless a truly exceptional offer arrives, the Eagles are under no pressure to part ways with one of their most influential players.
