Several clubs have made enquiries to the representatives handling Marc Cucurella’s affairs about a move away from Stamford Bridge next summer. The Spaniard is now ready to leave the West London club, according to people briefed on the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their working relationships.
Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea after they finished 10th in the Premier League. The 27-year-old, who will be 28 in July, has had a frustrating season in a campaign that has gone badly wrong for the Blues. Chelsea failed to qualify for Europe after finishing tenth in the Premier League. His position is more precarious after he publicly criticised the club’s strategy earlier this year. Cucurella admitted while on international duty with Spain:
“You always think about going back. I’m very happy there [in London], and so is my family. It would be difficult to refuse [if Barcelona made an offer].”
That admission has only added to the speculation surrounding a Spanish homecoming for the experienced defender this summer. Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for his signature. Cucurella moved to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 and is under contract until June 2028.
Why Chelsea Should Sell Marc Cucurella This Summer
Cucurella has certainly been a shrewd piece of business since arriving for a reported €65.3 million from the Seagulls. He is still one of the few senior players in a young dressing room crying out for leadership. All that said, the timing now looks very much in Chelsea’s favour to sanction a profitable sale, rather than dig their heels in.
The financial logic is there for a club trying to balance its books after another underwhelming season. He’s got two years left on his current contract, and his value will only go down in the next campaigns. Selling at 27 when he’s at his peak resale value protects the club far more than waiting.
The Blues have signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax, who has done enough to make Cucurella expendable in a potential rebuild.