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Xabi Alonso at risk of losing 'phenomenal' Chelsea superstar

21 May 2026 09:51 BST | 4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Atletico Madrid have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Marc Cucurella this summer, with the Spain international potentially set to leave Chelsea ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 27-year-old has been one of the Blues’ standout performers over the past few seasons, but he has been heavily linked with a return to La Liga in recent weeks and he hinted that an exit could be on the cards in March.

Speaking while on international duty with Spain, Cucurella admitted that he would be open to rejoining Barcelona amid reported interest from Hansi Flick’s side. “You always think about going back. I'm very happy there [in London], and so is my family. I'll leave it for a few years from now," he said" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/03/chelsea-transfer-news-marc-cucurella-barcelona-hint" target="_blank">he said.

“It would be difficult to refuse [if Barcelona made an offer],” he then admitted. “It's not just about me. I'd have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we'll see what decision is made.”

Rumours of a potential Chelsea exit have ramped up ever since and, despite the Blues’ appointment of his compatriot Xabi Alonso, Cucurella is one of several stars who could be set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The former Barcelona academy star has made 49 appearances for Chelsea so far this season, registering five goal contributions, but his contract with the west London giants is due to expire in 2028 and they could therefore be forced to accept a sale if he pushes to leave.

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea

Analysis: Marc Cucurella could leave Chelsea this summer

Chelsea have a huge decision to make in regards to Cucurella’s future this summer, and a sale is likely to be agreed if he refuses to sign a contract extension as he only has two years remaining on his current deal.

Former boss Enzo Maresca described him as “phenomenal”" href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/maresca-praises-phenomenal-cucurella-and-highlights-guiu-progress" target="_blank">“phenomenal” in late 2025, but it remains to be seen if there is a natural home for him under new manager Alonso.

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen head coach favoured a 3-4-3 system during his time with the Bundesliga side and although he has played at wing-back in recent weeks, Cucurella doesn’t exactly possess the attacking quality of Alejandro Grimaldo, for example.

Meanwhile, Jorrel Hato has excelled for Chelsea in recent weeks and if Alonso reverts to a back-four system, as he did at Real Madrid, the Dutchman could feasibly be deployed at left-back, with Levi Colwill next to him as a left-sided central defender.

As a result, especially considering Cucurella is now 27 years old, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Chelsea look to sell him this summer, although tying him down to a new deal would be wise if possible, largely due to the experience he has.