After Marc Cucurella brought a definitive end to his turbulent Stamford Bridge chapter, which hasn’t gone down too well with John Terry.
Marc Cucurella signed a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving Stamford Bridge after nearly four years and 150 appearances. His departure leaves a significant defensive void for Xabi Alonso, but it comes as no surprise after Cucurella questioned the club’s strategy regarding recent managerial changes.
The one thing that makes his sudden exit so confusing is the fact that Cucurella just a day or so before leaving was speaking about what his Spanish teammates had told him about Xabi Alonso.
Now it leaves Xabi Alonso with a dilemma. Does he trust what he currently has at the club or dip back into the transfer market for a replacement.
Reece James as a central midfielder or a right-back under Xabi Alonso?👀
The million pound question!
England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026
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John Terry labels Marc Cucurella’s exit a ‘big loss’
Speaking to Piers Morgan on Sports Uncensored, John Terry was concerned about how the exit looks from the outside ahead of Xabi Alonso arriving.
“He’s gonna be a big loss for us. He’s been one of our best players over the last couple of years. For Alonso coming in the door and (Cucurella) walking out the door, it doesn’t look good.
“I think he’s right up there in terms of the character for Mourinho and the attitude he shows on a daily basis as well.”
How would you rate Reece James’ display against Croatia 1️⃣-🔟?
Stats from Reece James' England display vs Croatia
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Chelsea were in an impossible position with Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella made it completely clear that his heart was no longer at Stamford Bridge, and keeping a player who wants out is a recipe for disaster. You simply cannot afford to carry passengers.
However, his departure to Real Madrid leaves a much deeper wound than just a vacancy on the team sheet. For all the debates surrounding his performances, Cucurella had grown into one of the few genuine vocal leaders inside a young, often disjointed Chelsea dressing room.
In a squad that drastically lacks experienced characters and authoritative voices, losing a commanding presence creates another void in itself.
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