Liverpool started off their 2025/26 campaign with five straight wins in the Premier League courtesy of some late goals in multiple games.
However, in the last two games, the Reds seem to have run out of their luck as they suffered defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Palace scored late through substitute Eddie Nketiah to inflict Liverpool's first defeat of this Premier League campaign.
In a few days they suffered another loss against Galatasaray away from home as they conceded a soft penalty and also failed to take their chances in 1-0 defeat.
Suddenly, there are chinks in this Liverpool defense and especially with Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury, the Reds are extremely shorthanded in the centre-back position.
Ibrahima Konate wasn't at his best against Galatasaray as he struggled to keep up with Osimhen and also gave away possession multiple times in the danger area.
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The Frenchman is also running down his contract at Anfield as he is all set to become a free agent next summer with aspirations of joining Real Madrid.
Considering the entire scenario, Liverpool are in the market to sign a new defender and as per reports via Football Insider, the Reds have added Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix to their transfer shortlist.
While Marc Guehi continues to be their priority but given the competition around the England international, Liverpool may look to sign his French teammate, Lacroix, who has been equally good for Oliver Glasner's men.
Why are Liverpool targeting Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix?
Lacroix began his professional career at Sochaux, and he moved to Wolfsburg in 2020 and established himself as a talent defender.
He quickly became one of the best defenders in Bundesliga and featured for the Wolves in almost 130 appearances before switching to Crystal Palace in 2024.
Maxence Lacroix has made more last man tackles (5) than any other player since the start of last Premier League season.💪
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) September 23, 2025
Clutch.🔒 pic.twitter.com/3AoIQFUrdC
Lacroix got reunited with his former Wolfsburg manager Glasner who wanted the Frenchman at Selhurst Park.
Since moving to London, he has been a designated starter for Palace alongside Guehi and is described as a 'Rolls Royce' defender by the Liverpool scouts.
He has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in recent times and has played a big role in helping the Eagles in their 19-game unbeaten streak.
The 25-year-old could be an ideal option for Liverpool as he brings athleticism, recovery speed, composure and great physicality.
Lacroix has similarities with Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk, especially during his younger days at Southampton with all the physicality and athleticism.
The Frenchman has gone under the radar than his centre-back partner and therefore securing him could be much less of a hassle for Liverpool.
However, Palace are in much stronger position for Lacroix, who has a contract till 2029 and only a hefty transfer fee will force them to sell their star defender as they are already on the verge of losing Guehi next summer.
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