Maxence Lacroix has been good for VFS Wolfsburg this season. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
According to transfer news on Calciomercato (h/t ESPN), Chelsea are looking to sign VfL Wolfsburg ace Maxence Lacroix in the coming transfer windows. The 21-year-old has been a regular for the Bundesliga club this season and starred in their last game of 2021 as they narrowly lost out to FC Koln.
The young star bumped around several academies in France before beginning his professional career with Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux. He quickly moved up their ranks, and within two years of making the senior team, Wolfsburg snapped up the Frenchman. He has since been a vital part of their campaigns but could now seal a transfer to Chelsea.
Should the centre-back depart Germany? And should Chelsea pursue a deal for him?
Since joining the German club in 2020, Lacroix has made 57 appearances for the club and has also managed to score 2 goals in that time. His performances, last season, in particular, were magnificent as Wolfsburg conceded the 2nd least goals (37) in the league. Their defensive showing has not been all that great this season, but the French international has continued to be a regular in the backline.
Chelsea have now been linked with the player as they look to lure him to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are the reigning European champions and are slightly holding on to the title race in England this season. However, their biggest concern would be their defensive quartet, namely, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen being out of contract at the end of the season.
Neither player has signed a new deal, and they would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with a foreign club in January. Thus, the West London club is due some reinforcements, and they could not do a lot better than Lacroix. The 21-year-old is still very young and can form a part of any backline for more than a decade or so, given the professional life of defenders.
He could take time to adjust to a new league, but playing at a big club like Chelsea alongside some of the biggest stars could also take his game to a new level. Moreover, the Blues offloaded Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi in the summer, thereby letting our future centre-back prospects leave the club. Thus, investing young, especially in the backline, could be key at this moment.
The youngster is a fine talent and is arguably the most important player at the German club this season. Wolfsburg are only three points off the relegation zone and might not want to part ways with their defender any time soon. There has also been no indication so far that the player wishes to leave, regardless of a January or summer move.
Thus, Chelsea could have to provide an enticing project for the 21-year-old to make the switch to the Premier League. The Bundesliga outfit did get knocked out of the UCL group stage and are unlikely to secure a Top 4 finish in the league, given their current performances. Thus, the Blues could offer him the prospect of fighting for the biggest titles in Europe and England.
A good project coupled with financial incentives could tick the needle for most stars in world football, let alone Lacroix. However, he shall make the final decision as he might also evaluate the challenges and responsibilities of playing at a massive club. But getting him through the door could be the start of something good at the West London club.
Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr have already played in the first team this season, while the frontline also has several young stars. Thus, the club is adopting a good transfer and recruitment policy and signing Lacroix shall also fall within that purview if the Frenchman agrees to sign for the Stamford Bridge outfit in the coming months.
