Reports suggesting a massive bidding war for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix may be slightly premature, specifically regarding interest from Germany. According to Bundesliga expert Christian Falk, writing for SportBILD, while several elite clubs are tracking the 25-year-old, Bayern Munich is not currently a serious contender for his signature.
Bayern’s Defensive Stance
Despite rumors linking Lacroix to a €40m summer move to Bavaria, Falk insists that the German giants have already finalized their defensive planning for the upcoming season. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, reportedly views the center-back position as settled with a rotation of:
- Upamecano, Tah, Kim, and Ito.
- The return of Josip Stanisic.
Budgetary Constraints and Priorities
Bayern is currently operating under a “save money” mandate, with their limited transfer budget earmarked for more “pressing needs.”
| Priority Rank | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left-wing Backup | High Priority |
| 2 | New Right-back | High Priority |
| 3 | Center-back | Not under consideration |
Falk notes that this stance would only shift if a current defender, such as Min-jae Kim, explicitly requested a transfer and provided a significant windfall—a scenario that has yet to materialize.
Relief for Selhurst Park?
While the dismissal of Bayern’s interest provides some breathing room for Crystal Palace, the Frenchman remains a high-value asset. His consistent performances in the Premier League have kept him on the radar of Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The World Cup Factor:
Lacroix’s future could be further complicated by international ambitions. He is reportedly determined to secure a spot in France’s World Cup squad this summer; a successful tournament would almost certainly trigger a high-profile departure from South London, regardless of Bayern’s current withdrawal from the race.
For now, however, a move to Munich is deemed “not a concrete possibility,” as the German side looks to fill gaps elsewhere in their roster.
