Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella says incoming manager Xabi Alonso has already inspired confidence in him. The 27-year-old Spain international made the revelation during his country’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although his Stamford Bridge future remains the talk of the town.
Since Chelsea limped to a disappointing 10th-place finish that left them without any European football, Cucurella’s future has been up in the air. The full-back was asked if Alonso’s project genuinely appealed to him, with both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona circling his signature. He responded:
“Yes. I’ve spoken with him and he inspired a lot of confidence in me… I’ve also spoken with Grimaldo and Borja, who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting.”
Those endorsements carry weight, as Alonso turned Alex Grimaldo into one of the most impressive wing-backs in Europe during his remarkable spell at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard has signed a four-year contract until 2030 and will officially take over at Stamford Bridge on July 1. His arrival could give Cucurella a new lease of life after a season in which the defender’s patience was often tested.
Since arriving from Brighton in 2022, Cucurella has been one of the most consistent left-backs in the Premier League. He was a regular throughout the most recent campaign, featuring in 48 games across all competitions and chipping in with a goal and four assists. But the turbulent campaign and Enzo Maresca’s January exit clearly unsettled a player who had openly questioned the club’s direction earlier this year.
Cucurella’s future in the balance as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona circle
Cucurella’s apparent readiness to return to Spain has ignited a real tug-of-war between several of La Liga’s heavyweight clubs this summer. Reports suggest Atletico Madrid are the most serious suitors, with sporting director Mateu Alemany already in contact over a potential deal.
The experienced defender is believed to be a priority target for Diego Simeone’s men to finally address their long-standing problem at left-back. Barcelona have long admired their former academy graduate, but their pursuit could depend on first clearing up the situation surrounding Alejandro Balde.
But for now, the player himself is refusing to get drawn into speculation as he focuses fully on Spain’s World Cup ambitions. Chelsea are believed to be asking for a huge fee for his services, and so this saga looks set to drag on for some time yet in the transfer window.