Palace want teenage Brest defender Le Guen

Raphael le Guen claps supporters during Brest's Ligue 1 game against PSGImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Raphael le Guen made his professional debut for Brest as a substitute in their 3–1 defeat away to Lens on 29 August 2025

ByAlex HowellFootball reporterandSami MokbelSenior football correspondent
  • Published

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen.

The 19-year-old defender is on the Eagles' radar as Maxence Lacroix's move to Chelsea edges closer.

Le Guen made his debut for Brest in the 2025-26 season and made six appearances in Ligue 1

The teenager started the final four matches of the campaign which included games against Paris St-Germain and Strasbourg.

Palace have had success in signing young centre-backs from France with 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot arriving from Toulouse last season.

Canvot stepped into the side after the departure of captain Marc Guehi and has become a mainstay of the backline.

Palace are also interested in Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima as a potential replacement for Lacroix.

The former France youth international, 24, is open to a move to Selhurst Park, where he would work under compatriot Pierre Sage, who was appointed Palace head coach earlier this summer.