It is fair to say that of all the four seasons Marc Cucurella enjoyed in Chelsea blue, last season was not his best. Albeit consistent, he failed to produce his best form for Chelsea during 2025-26.
Now, the Euro 2024 winner has joined Real Madrid in a deal that sees Chelsea receive an initial £47.5m and £4.3m more in add-ons. It leaves Chelsea with just Jorrel Hato as the club’s only recognised left-back.
RATE 1-10: Is Marc Cucurella’s exit good business by Chelsea?
Obviously, Xabi Alonso will need to replace him. The Blues are set to do a deal for Marco Palestra, while pushing for Palace’s £50m-rated Maxence Lacroix. A left-back is also expected to arrive in due course.
Plenty have been linked with Chelsea, like Alvaro Carreras, Lewis Hall, Maxi Araujo, and Andrea Cambiaso. But a new left-back is on the radar, and he outperformed Cucurella in the Premier League last term.
Leeds’ Gabriel Gudmundsson was better than Cucurella
Last summer, Leeds spent a bargain £10m to sign Sweden star Gabriel Gudmundsson and after a superb first season in the Premier League, Chelsea are considering Graham Potter’s World Cup ace this summer.
Gudmundsson has been excellent for Leeds, renowned for his work rate on the left. He might not be very profitable in the final third, but the former Lille star deserved more assists throughout the campaign.
But it is defensively where Gudmundsson shines. Last season, the Swede enjoyed a better season than Cucurella and the stats prove that, and perhaps why Chelsea are considering a £30m move for him.
Gudmundsson outperformed Cucurella on duels won, duels success rate, aerial duels won, tackles won, interceptions, and the rate in which he was dribbled past per 90 minutes. Cucurella won on clearances.
Marc Cucurella v Gabriel Gudmundsson in 2025-26 Premier League
| Defensive Metric (Per 90 / Totals) | Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds) | Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) |
| Total Duels Won | 171 | 146 |
| Duel Success Rate % | 59.3% | 53.4% |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 57.1% | 44.4% |
| Tackles Won (Total) | 48 | 40 |
| Interceptions | 38 | 29 |
| Clearances | 88 | 94 |
| Dribbled Past (Per 90) | 0.65 | 1.12 |
Gudmundsson’s attacking stats were not as good as Cucurella’s, but they were never going to be. This was a Leeds side often fighting relegation, while Chelsea dictated possession and chances in most.
What Gudmundsson has said about a move to Chelsea
Gudmundsson is currently on World Cup duty with Sweden this summer. The left-back has started in both of his nation’s games, which have both resulted in 5-1. A win over Tunisia, and a loss to the Netherlands.
This evening, Graham Potter is set to start Gudmundsson for a third time as they face Japan, needing a point to secure their place in the next round. Speaking ahead of the game, he left the Chelsea door ajar.
Why shouldn’t Alvaro Carreras replace Marc Cucurella? He looks ideal!
The Real Madrid star is one left-back Chelsea are thought to be considering after Cucurella's exit 💭
“It is a confirmation that you are doing something good. All the focus is on the national team here. I’ve worked with him [agent] for ten years, he knows when I’m here I want to wear this shirt, focus on that.”
While it might not be as exotic a signing as the likes of Araujo or Cambiaso, Gudmundsson has proved he can do it in the Premier League. Reliable, largely injury free and a bargain at £30m, he’d be a solid signing.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
