Tottenham Facing Transfer Battle with Borussia Dortmund

Spurs Eye Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix After Impressive Season

As the summer transfer window rolls into high gear, Tottenham Hotspur are plotting another defensive upgrade—this time, they’ve set their sights on Maxence Lacroix, Crystal Palace’s breakout star of last season. But as is often the case in modern football’s hyper-competitive marketplace, Spurs aren’t alone in the race.

Borussia Dortmund, fresh off another strong campaign in Germany and eager to reinforce their own backline, are reportedly preparing a bid of their own for the 24-year-old Frenchman. The Bundesliga outfit are known for developing and reselling elite defensive talent, and Lacroix’s profile ticks every box they typically look for.

This, then, is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating tug-of-wars of the summer — with Tottenham and Dortmund going head-to-head for a player whose ceiling appears to grow by the week.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to French outlet L’Équipe, Tottenham have made initial contact regarding a potential deal for Lacroix, who joined Crystal Palace last summer from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. At the time, the move raised a few eyebrows — many expected him to stay in Germany or head to a Champions League-level team. But Palace acted decisively, and they were rewarded handsomely.

Lacroix enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League, anchoring a defence that helped the Eagles win their first FA Cup in club history. His combination of physicality, speed, and tactical intelligence stood out across the season, and he was quickly recognised as one of the most composed young defenders in England.

Tottenham’s interest is no surprise. With manager Thomas Frank overseeing a squad preparing for a return to the Champions League next season, reinforcements in defence are seen as critical. Though Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin form a solid core, depth is thin — and injury worries are never far away in a grueling multi-competition campaign.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: LACROIX AND THE FUTURE OF SPURS’ DEFENCE

Crystal Palace FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC – Premier League

Lacroix isn’t just a depth signing. He could very well walk into the starting XI by mid-season, especially if Spurs look to rotate heavily between league and European fixtures.

His attributes are tailor-made for Frank’s preferred high-pressing, high-tempo system. He’s quick off the mark, strong in aerial duels, and comfortable playing out from the back — all crucial components of the Danish manager’s philosophy. More importantly, he has Premier League experience under his belt now, which sets him apart from many other targets Spurs have scouted abroad.

At just 24, he also represents a long-term project. With his contract at Selhurst Park running until 2029, however, Palace hold all the cards. Any deal will likely require a hefty transfer fee — reports suggest the south London club won’t entertain offers below £50 million.

DORTMUND’S INTEREST: COMPETITION FROM THE CONTINENT

Of course, Spurs aren’t the only ones who’ve been impressed. Borussia Dortmund, who know Lacroix well from his Wolfsburg days, are said to be circling.

Having lost Mats Hummels this summer and with Niklas Süle facing fitness challenges, Dortmund are desperate for a defensive reset. And while they’ve looked at several profiles across Europe — including Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Benfica’s António Silva — Lacroix is emerging as one of the most realistic options.

Crucially, Dortmund can offer him two things Spurs can’t match: a guaranteed starting spot and a return to Germany, where he’s already proven himself. For Lacroix, the chance to play in front of the Yellow Wall and challenge Bayern Munich may prove tempting.

Whether Dortmund are prepared to match Palace’s valuation, however, remains unclear. The German club often prefer more modest fees — but in this market, they may need to dig deep.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since his arrival at Selhurst Park, Maxence Lacroix has made 43 appearances in all competitions, helping Palace to a top-half finish and that historic FA Cup victory.

But it’s not just the numbers that impress. His underlying stats show a player who ranks in the top 5% of Premier League defenders for aerial duels won, blocks, and progressive passes per 90 minutes. Simply put: Lacroix doesn’t just defend, he builds attacks and controls the tempo from the back.

This profile aligns neatly with what Tottenham are building: a team that can defend aggressively and transition quickly, especially in European matches.

WHAT ELSE IS COOKING AT SPURS?

Tottenham’s summer business hasn’t exactly been quiet. They’ve already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham — a coup that surprised many — and are expected to bring in at least two more players before the window slams shut.

They’re also actively tracking Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, though competition from PSG complicates that move. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa remains on the club’s radar as an attacking reinforcement.

One thing is clear: Daniel Levy is backing Frank, and there’s a sense of urgency in North London to build a squad capable of finally challenging for silverware, both domestically and in Europe.

WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM & LACROIX?

With the Premier League season fast approaching — Spurs begin their campaign against Burnley on August 16 — time is ticking. While Lacroix remains under contract at Palace, the Eagles are well aware that interest is growing, and a big bid could change the equation quickly.

The player himself has remained quiet on his future, but sources close to the club suggest he is open to a step up. His ambition to play in the Champions League is well known, and Spurs — unlike Palace — can offer that opportunity immediately.

Expect talks to accelerate in the coming days. If Tottenham want to fend off Dortmund and other suitors, they may need to submit a formal offer before the end of the month.

FINAL WORD: A FRENCHMAN IN DEMAND

This transfer saga is far from over. But one thing is certain: Maxence Lacroix’s name will be front and center this summer.

Whether he ends up in North London, returns to Germany, or stays put at Selhurst Park, the 2025-26 season is likely to be a career-defining one for the French defender.

Tottenham fans will be hoping that when the dust settles, he’ll be pulling on the lilywhite shirt and patrolling the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in style. But to make that dream a reality, Spurs will need to move fast — and be prepared to outbid one of Europe’s smartest operators.