Despite being one of the more notable sides in the English Premier League, Chelsea have struggled over the last few years, with their 10th-place finish last season guaranteeing no European football at Stamford Bridge next season, the second recent campaign for that to happen in. While this doesn’t sound like a big deal to some, given Chelsea’s pedigree and prestige, it’s a certain blow for those in the club who expect to be under the bright lights of European football.
This is the case for The Blues’ defender Marc Cucurella, who, according to a recent report by The Athletic’s Pol Ballus, Mario Cortegana, and Simon Johnson, is discontent with the club’s performance to the extent that he’s open to an exit from Stamford Bridge.
“Sources briefed on the matter — who spoke under condition of anonymity, like others in this article, to protect relationships — say he is willing to leave Chelsea after a frustrating season that saw the club finish 10th in the Premier League,” states Ballus, Cortegana, and Johnson.
The Spanish wingback had quite the productive season on the defensive end of the pitch for the Blues last season, recording 37 interceptions and winning 61 tackles across his 50 appearances.
Given these numbers and his reputation on the global stage, having been named to the Spanish national team for the 2024 EUROs and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, several teams are reported to have been keeping an eye on Cucurella, with the goal of getting him out of the Premier League.
Two Spanish giants are interested in acquiring the EUROs winner
Two of the bigger names reportedly looking at the Spaniard come from La Liga, as both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been noted as suitors for the 27-year-old.
“Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has been in touch with the 27-year-old’s camp, as he and head coach Hansi Flick are considered admirers…” explains Ballus, Cortegana, and Johnson. “Real Madrid are also looking for a left-back this summer and appreciate the player, but it is unclear if they will make a move or have the finances for it.
If Cucurella is to make the move back to the Catalan side, it’d be a full circle moment as he got his start in La Liga as a part of Barcelona’s squad back in the 2017-18 season, featuring in their academy before his move away to Getafe.
The report also states that the likes of Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, the latter of whom is expected to be managed by Cucurella’s former manager Enzo Maresca, are interested in the wingback.
But amid all of the interest, the Chelsea boardroom is reportedly not too concerned about it given the time that is left on Cucurella’s contract.
“According to club sources, Chelsea are relaxed because he has three years left on his contract,” the report reads.
For now, the Spaniard is set to help his national team make a run at the World Cup, hoping to lift the iconic trophy for the first time since 2010.
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