News Focus
- Real Madrid agree £51.8m deal for Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella
- Spanish international signs six-year contract at Bernabeu
- New manager Jose Mourinho identifies left-back as priority signing
- Chelsea set to use Jorrel Hato as replacement
- Player currently on World Cup duty with Spain
Real Madrid have signed defender Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. The transfer fee is £47.5 million. Extra payments could add £4.3 million more. The total cost may reach £51.8 million.
The 27-year-old has agreed a six-year deal with the Spanish club. He leaves Chelsea after joining from Brighton four years ago. The Blues paid £63 million for him in 2021. He made 163 appearances and won the Conference League and Club World Cup.
Several top clubs wanted the Spanish left-back. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City were interested. However, Cucurella chose Real Madrid. New manager Jose Mourinho pushed hard for the signing. Mourinho will officially start as Real boss next month.
The move hurts Chelsea’s plans. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso loses a key defender. The London club now plans to use Jorrel Hato. The Dutch player signed from Ajax last summer for £37 million. Chelsea may still buy another left-back before the window closes.
Cucurella is currently away with the Spanish national team. He is competing at the World Cup. Spain face Cape Verde in their first Group H match on Monday.
Earlier this year, Cucurella criticised Chelsea’s transfer policy. He was unhappy about the decision to let Enzo Maresca leave. The club did not list him as an “untouchable” player. This special group includes Cole Palmer and club captain Reece James.
Chelsea thanked the defender for his service. They wished him luck in Madrid. The club also stated they value their good relationship with Real. However, they will demand £120 million for Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder has also been linked with the Spanish giants.