Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso outlines defensive plans after £52m Lacroix deal
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed he wants a maximum of five central defenders for the upcoming Premier League campaign following the £52m arrival of Maxence Lacroix.
The Blues recently secured the 26-year-old from Crystal Palace to bolster a bloated backline ahead of the new season.
However, the West London club must now actively offload several first-team players to meet their manager’s specific numerical target.
Speaking to reporters in Sydney, the Spanish tactician was asked exactly how many central defensive options he ideally required.
“Four or five. Is that accurate enough?”
Alonso replied with a laugh.
Stamford Bridge clear-out expected
To achieve that desired balance, several high-profile names are currently being pushed toward the exit door.
Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are all actively being shopped by the club hierarchy this summer.
Meanwhile, fellow defender Mamadou Sarr is widely expected to depart on a temporary loan arrangement.
Retaining Lacroix alongside Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Aaron Anselmino would leave the squad perfectly aligned with Alonso’s tactical vision.
Trimming the first-team roster remains a major priority following Marc Cucurella’s high-profile switch to Real Madrid.
Ready-made Premier League experience
The £52m acquisition of Lacroix adds vital top-flight experience and a spotless injury record to a transitional squad.
The French international previously stepped into a crucial leadership role at Selhurst Park when Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City in January.
He subsequently helped guide the Eagles to Europa Conference League glory under Austrian head coach Oliver Glasner.
Having previously managed Bayer Leverkusen, the new Chelsea boss is already highly familiar with his latest recruit from their shared time in the Bundesliga.
‘A winner mentality’
The former Wolfsburg defender is expected to make an immediate impact upon returning to the English capital.
“I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga, but I think that his progression and his adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic.”
Alonso explained to the travelling media.
“Not just on the pitch as well, in terms of personality, leadership, he has these attributes. A very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line.”
The manager was quick to praise the Frenchman’s psychological attributes alongside his established tactical awareness.
“He has a strong personality. He’s mature, he wants to win, he has a winner mentality. And as well, he loves to defend and that’s something I like as well.”