Manchester United’s defensive issues are no secret, but the club’s silence on potential reinforcements this summer has raised eyebrows. With Michael Carrick’s backline looking increasingly thin, a new report suggests the Red Devils are closely monitoring a standout Premier League defender whose contract situation has hit a snag.
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace and Maxence Lacroix are currently at an impasse in contract negotiations. The 26-year-old French center-back has been instrumental in Palace’s recent success, which includes three trophies over the past two seasons — most notably last season’s UEFA Conference League title.
Why United Needs Him
The math at Old Trafford is simple. Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery in November and missed the entire season, leaving his availability for next year in doubt. Lisandro Martinez, despite his undeniable quality, missed 17 games last season and remains a recurring fitness concern. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, is on the wrong side of 30, and the club’s depth behind him is unproven at best.
With midfield reinforcements the top priority, INEOS won’t have unlimited funds to splash on a center-back. That makes a player like Lacroix — valued at around £43 million — an intriguing option. Palace signed him from Wolfsburg for just £15.5 million, so any deal would represent a significant mark-up, but his Premier League experience makes him a known quantity.
Numbers That Turn Heads
Lacroix kept 20 clean sheets last season and chipped in with three goals and three assists, including a strike at Old Trafford. That kind of production from a defender is rare, and it’s reportedly drawn interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid as well.
“As with Josko Gvardiol, Ricardo Calafiori and Nico Schlotterbeck, Lacroix has been discussed by Real Madrid after an excellent season with Crystal Palace,” the report states. “Arsenal and Manchester United are also among admirers of the 26-year-old who is at a stand-off in contract talks at Selhurst Park.”
The France international’s current deal runs until 2029, giving Palace some leverage, but a stalled negotiation could open the door for a summer move. Lacroix’s ability to play out from the back and defend in transition fits the profile INEOS has targeted in recent windows — a Premier League-proven player in his prime.
Whether United can pull off a deal amid competition from European heavyweights remains to be seen. But with defensive depth a glaring weakness, Lacroix’s name is one to watch.
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