The Crystal Palace star played his last game at Selhurst with a ‘planned’ transfer.

The Crystal Palace star played his last game at Selhurst Park, with a summer transfer ‘planned’, according to reports.

Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at Selhurst Park brought the curtain down on Palace’s Premier League season.

It was the kind of performance that marked much of the campaign – competitive, organized, never giving up, but ultimately beaten by a side that performed at a different level.

The newly crowned champions worked for it, but the gap in quality told in the end.

Palace finished in 15th place with 45 points – a league position not to be forgotten, but which tells part of the story of a remarkable year.

The other part is written in Europe.

Wednesday night in Leipzig against Rayo Vallecano represents one of the biggest games in Palace history.

A Conference League final, a chance to lift their first European trophy, and an event that nobody at the club could have imagined 12 months ago, especially because they were expected to be in the Europa League at the time.

Still, an FA Cup final victory over Man City last May earned Palace their place in this season’s competition, and they’ve done everything they can – they’ve progressed to the group stage, navigated a treacherous draw, and now stand 90 minutes away from silverware.

Whatever happens in Germany, next summer will reshape the squad.

With Jean-Philippe Mateta reportedly set to rule out a move to AC Milan for good and the managerial vacancy still unresolved, another move is now looming – this time at the heart of defence.

Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix is ​​set to leave this summer

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, defender Maxence Lacroix will leave this summer.

The journalist said on Sunday that Lacroix was on course to play his final game at Selhurst Park against Arsenal, but the Frenchman was an unused substitute in a heavily surrounded side.

Hawkins also reported that a trade has already been ‘planned’, with no ongoing discussions about extending his contract.

As the 26-year-old did not last against Arsenal, his last appearance at Selhurst may have been their 2-2 draw with Everton.

It can be a big blow.

Lacroix has been a reliable defender for Palace this season, starting 35 Premier League games and accumulating more than 3,000 minutes at the heart of the back line.

The near-perfect record since his arrival from Wolfsburg in August 2024 shows a player who has been there for everything the club has done – from winning the FA Cup in his first campaign to the Community Shield this season.

A 26-year-old French full international, he is entering his prime and represents the type of asset Premier League rivals will pay for.

Hawkins confirms that many high-profile clubs have already signed up, although he would not name them. Palace hold a strong negotiating position – Lacroix’s contract will run until 2029, giving them no reason to accept anything below market value.

Given his age, international pedigree and the length of his contract, any significant offer would likely have to exceed £34m to even open a conversation.

But if the mind of the player makes a decision, sticking to him unwillingly brings its own risks.

A disgruntled defender is a liability the club can’t afford, and Palace may decide that cashing in and reinvesting is the smart long-term play – especially with a new manager yet to be appointed and a squad in need of reshaping in a number of positions.

Wednesday first. Lacroix is ​​likely to start for Leipzig, and his performance in the final could be the last Palace fans see of the player who gave them everything during his time there.