£47m price tag could seal Liverpool’s defensive revival

Richard Hughes can end Liverpool’s defensive woes by splashing £47 million on centre‑back Maxence Lacroix. The 26‑year‑old Frenchman, currently at Crystal Palace, offers the speed and experience Liverpool lack after the free departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson. Salah, Konate and Robertson all left Liverpool on free transfers, leaving a void in both attack and defence. Fans have debated whether the club should prioritise strengthening the forward line or shoring up the back line, but the lack of a senior centre‑back is now acute. With Konate gone, young prospects Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are expected to receive more playing time. The pressure on the duo is high, as they must compensate for the experience gap left by the departed internationals. Maxence Lacroix, 26, has been a regular in Crystal Palace’s defence since the 2024‑25 season, accumulating substantial Premier League minutes. His market value is set at €55 million, equivalent to £47 million, according to L’Equipe.

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Last season Lacroix recorded a top speed of 21.9 mph, an unusually high figure for a centre‑back. During the 2025‑26 campaign he made only one error that directly led to a goal, as noted by Sofascore. At Selhurst Park he formed a solid partnership with Marc Guehi, demonstrating his ability to be a regular starter in a top‑flight side. His lightning pace is presented as a clear upgrade over the accident‑prone Ibrahima Konate. Sporting director Richard Hughes must decide whether to match Chelsea’s pursuit of Lacroix, as the London club is reportedly close to finalising a deal. If Liverpool fail to intervene, the French defender could leave England without ever joining the Reds. Crystal Palace’s asking price of €55 million reflects the scarcity of quality centre‑backs in the Premier League market. Liverpool’s willingness to invest £47 million would signal a decisive move in a transfer window that is expected to accelerate as the 2026‑27 season approaches.