Max Wilkins

Mon 18 May 2026 18:10, UK

Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix could emerge as a major target for Aston Villa moving into the summer.

The France international has been a true star at Selhurst Park ever since sealing a move from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024.

He has played a key role under Oliver Glasner and has filled the void left by Marc Guehi’s exit with relative ease.

The 26-year-old could soon follow his former colleague out the door in South London as the summer transfer window looms.

Villa could make a move for Lacroix in the coming weeks as Tyrone Mings’ time in B6 could be coming to an end.

Aston Villa could pay £60m to sign Maxence Lacroix

The Villans haven’t had the best season defensively and have faced various issues throughout the year.

Despite qualifying for the Champions League, Unai Emery’s side ranks 11th for clean sheets and xG conceded in the Premier League.

That is clearly something that needs improvement, and the transfer window is the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

Lacroix has been excellent for Crystal Palace and could be the man for the claret and blue outfit, especially if they look to move Mings on.

Former Villa scout Bryan King believes the Frenchman could come in for a sizable fee and replicate the work of a B6 legend in Olof Mellberg.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He’s going to cost at least £50m, and if he’s under contract, they’ll want £60m.

“I think Villa need a centre half because Tyrone Mings is getting older.

“When you get older, you become more square on as a defender, so maybe he’ll stick around in some capacity, but I can’t see him being a starter.

“Lacroix’s got pace, and the last time I remember a centre back at Villa with that was Olof Mellberg, and he didn’t turn out too badly.

“In today’s game, it’s not about a big centre-half heading the ball out; it’s about having the pace to cover.

“He’d bring something to Villa that’s for sure, without a doubt.”

Mings has come under pressure at Villa recently, and with Lacroix potentially set to come in, it could be the end of the road in B6.

How good has Lacroix been for Crystal Palace?

The Palace number five has proven to be an excellent addition since his move from the Bundesliga two years ago.

This season has been largely positive once again as he’s started all but two Premier League games and has played over 3000 minutes.

He has chipped in with 375 defensive contributions, including 60 tackles and 252 clearances, which showcase his talent at the back.

Emery will also appreciate his 88 per cent pass accuracy throughout the campaign, having completed 1460 passes.

That has made him a hugely important asset at Selhurst Park, and a summer move to Villa Park could make total sense over the summer.