Premier League
Crystal Palace target Raphaël Le Guen as Lacroix replacement
Crystal Palace face a looming void in central defence after France international Maxence Lacroix is set to depart for Chelsea in a €60 million deal, and the Eagles have already agreed personal terms with 19‑year‑old Brest centre‑back Raphaël Le Guen to fill the gap.
Lacroix, a France international centre‑back, is earmarked as the direct successor to the departing defender, with his €60 million move to Premier League rivals Chelsea described as imminent.
Le Guen is a product of the Brest youth academy, having risen through the club’s ranks before breaking into the first team, attracting attention beyond Ligue 1.
He made his professional debut last summer, entering as a substitute in Brest’s 3‑1 defeat away to RC Lens, and was again selected for the March loss to Auxerre (3‑0).
Le Guen earned his first start on matchday 32 against Paris FC, a game that ended 4‑0 to Brest, and subsequently became a regular starter, featuring in fixtures against PSG and Strasbourg.
In total, the French defender has accumulated six professional appearances to date.
Crystal Palace are preparing to submit an opening bid to Brest in the coming days; L’Equipe notes that only a substantial offer would persuade Brest, and that Fulham FC have also shown interest.
The move underscores the Eagles’ strategy of securing youthful French talent to rebuild their back line ahead of the Premier League season and reflects a broader approach of targeting promising Ligue 1 players.