**Reece James has admitted he was devastated to see Marc Cucurella leave Chelsea for Real Madrid, adding a human edge to one of the Blues’ biggest summer decisions.**
The Chelsea captain spoke after Cucurella completed his move to Madrid, with the Spain international leaving Stamford Bridge on a six-year deal. Chelsea confirmed the permanent transfer earlier this month, while Real Madrid announced that the left-back is tied to the club until 30 June 2032.
James, speaking from England duty, praised Cucurella as one of the world’s best left-backs and said he wished his former team-mate well, [according to talkSPORT’s fresh update on the Chelsea captain’s reaction](https://talksport.com/football/4350295/reece-james-reaction-marc-cucurella-xabi-alonso-chelsea/).
Chelsea Must Now Replace A Key Xabi Alonso Defender
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The reaction matters because Cucurella’s exit is not just a squad-list change. He had become one of Chelsea’s most reliable senior defenders, and his departure leaves Xabi Alonso with an immediate structural call on the left side of his back line.
Jorrel Hato, Valentin Barco and Geovany Quenda have all been mentioned as possible routes forward, but none represent a simple like-for-like replacement for a 27-year-old full-back with Cucurella’s experience and intensity.
For James, the comments also underline the dressing-room cost of the transfer. Chelsea have banked a significant fee, but Alonso now needs a clear left-back plan before the new season begins.