‘Great player’ – Gary Cahill backs £52m star to reach ‘next level’ at Chelsea

Maxence Lacroix is a ‘really smart’ signing for Chelsea, says Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill has praised Chelsea’s ‘really smart’ transfer move for Maxence Lacroix and backed the defender to take his game to the ‘next level’ at Stamford Bridge.

Lacroix informed Crystal Palace of his desire to seek a fresh challenge away from Selhurst Park at the end of last season and Chelsea wasted little time before ramping up their efforts to sign the 26-year-old centre-back.

Discussions progressed at a pace and the two Premier League rivals would go on to shake hands on a £52million transfer fee for the France international.

Lacroix, who made three appearances for Les Bleus at the World Cup, has put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Chelsea, tying him to the c...