Marc Cucurella will return to Spain this summer after Real Madrid reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea for a package worth up to €60m (£52m). The Spain left-back, currently preparing for the World Cup, threw his future into doubt during the March international break when he criticised the Chelsea hierarchy, saying the team paid for “inexperience” after a Champions League thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid have agreed to pay an initial £47.4m (€55m) plus approximately £4.3m (€5m) in add-ons for the 27-year-old. The paperwork is expected to be completed within the week, with Cucurella moving after the World Cup. The defender had three years remaining on his contract after signing improved terms last season without an extension, a factor that likely influenced Chelsea’s decision to accept the offer.
“Real Madrid agree £52m deal for Chelsea's Marc Cucurella after World Cup, following his criticism of club hierarchy.”
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton for £63m in 2022 and made 150 appearances, winning the Conference League and Club World Cup. However, his form dipped after Christmas, and Chelsea were encouraged by the performances of 20-year-old Netherlands left-back Jorrel Hato. The club finished 10th in the Premier League, failing to qualify for Europe, and sacked Liam Rosenior before appointing Xabi Alonso as permanent manager for the 2026-27 campaign.
Madrid, revamping after two trophyless years under new manager José Mourinho, have also moved for Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries, former Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, and ex-Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer. Atletico Madrid had also been interested in Cucurella, but their La Liga rivals beat them to his signature.
Cucurella was part of a core group of Spanish-speaking players frustrated by Enzo Maresca’s mid-season departure. His public misgivings marked a turning point, and he was receptive to the right opportunity to leave Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were not actively seeking to offload him, but his eagerness to return to Spain aligned with Madrid’s need for defensive reinforcements.
Xabi Alonso will now guide Chelsea’s future, with the club not under pressure to sell. However, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández, who also spoke out against the hierarchy, has made little secret of his desire to join Madrid. Chelsea will demand more than £100m for the former Benfica player, who is not regarded as untouchable.