On the very first day of the 2026 summer transfer window, Marc Cucurella completed a £51.7million move from Chelsea to Real Madrid
10:50, 16 Jun 2026
Marc Cucurella looks dejected after Spain were held to a goalless draw with Cape Verde
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Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid from Chelsea(Image: Mattia Ozbot)
In typical Chelsea fashion, the Blues were involved in a big-money deal on the very first day of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Unfortunately for Chelsea supporters, it wasn't a signing, instead it was Marc Cucurella departing to join Real Madrid on a six-year contract. The Blues agreed a £51.7million (£47.4m fixed and £4.3m in add-ons) deal on Sunday afternoon to see the Spain international depart and return to his homeland.
Cucurella informed Chelsea of his desire to move on earlier this month, with sources now confirming he wanted to return to Spain for personal and family reasons. On the very same day as the 27-year-old's exit was announced, the footballing world got to witness the Spain international in action.
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Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, faced off against World Cup minnows Cape Verde in their opening Group H match of the tournament. Despite having 23 shots at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Spaniards could not find a way past goalkeeper Vozinha, who was voted as FIFA's official Player of the Match.
Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations - both in terms of land mass and population - to ever qualify for the World Cup, produced one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history by holding the 2010 champions to a goalless draw. Cucurella, who completed the full 90-plus minutes on Monday, then posted on Instagram - for the first time since his Chelsea exit was confirmed - to reflect on a frustrating afternoon for the Spaniards.
"Nobody ever said it was going to be easy," wrote Cucurella. "We continue @sefutbol! [Spain flag emoji]".
Spain will be looking to bounce back on Sunday evening as they take on Saudi Arabia, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
As for Chelsea, they are planning for life post-Cucurella. Xabi Alonso, who officially starts his job as Blues manager on July 1, will work collaboratively with the club's five sporting directors to sign at least two ready-made players this summer, sources say, in what they believe is the natural evolution for the squad.
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It is no secret that Chelsea are targeting a central defender to partner Levi Colwill, who remains front and centre of BlueCo's long-term plans at Stamford Bridge. There is talk that a versatile defender could be signed; one who can cover the Blues on the left-hand side of their back line as well.
Chelsea are also looking to bring in a central midfielder, while a left-sided winger is also on the club's radar before the conclusion of the recently-opened summer transfer window.