In a surprise twist late on Sunday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, with a deal to be concluded after the World Cup.
Xabi Alonso has not even taken office yet, and the Spaniard looks set to wave goodbye to one of his most important players. Cucurella is currently with Spain’s National Team ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Marc Cucurella is set to join Real Madrid! What’s a fair price? 💸
Mourinho raids Chelsea!
After four years at Chelsea, it has been widely reported that the Euro 2024 winner wants to leave London this summer. A return to Spain has been deemed likely, with Barcelona expected to sign the defender.
It comes after Cucurella’s comments during the March international break, in which the left-back said he would be open to a return to Barcelona, having come through the esteemed La Masia academy.
Jose Mourinho raids Chelsea for first Real Madrid signing
According to Fabrizio Romano, Cucurella is about to join Real Madrid. Out of nowhere, it was reported that the former Brighton defender had agreed to join his academy club’s rivals, and a fee was sorted.
It is unclear what that fee is at this stage. Chelsea spent £60m to sign him from Brighton four years ago, but a fee north of £35m is expected to change hands after Cucurella confirmed such a figure himself.
Romano also reports that Cucurella was the left-back Mourinho wanted, and the Spanish giants have duly delivered. Cucurella will become a Real Madrid player after the World Cup, with Spain a big favourite.
Romano posted on his social media: “Real Madrid reach verbal agreement to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, HERE WE GO!
“Verbal agreement in place between all parties, player too — he’s the left back wanted by Mourinho. Details to follow. Cucurella leaves #CFC and joins Madrid after World Cup.”
Chelsea have completely ignored Ashley Cole’s Cucurella advice
Just this weekend, Chelsea icon Ashley Cole urged the club to keep Cucurella this summer and convince him to stay put. Indeed, Cole believes it is important Chelsea keep their best players like Cucurella.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella? 🫵
Andrea Cambiaso is the latest player to be linked.
“I came from Arsenal to Chelsea and I didn’t perform straightaway. There was pressure and expectation. Now, Cucurella is someone you should keep. He’s a top performer. I’m not in the dressing room.”
But hours later, Cucurella has been confirmed as moving to Real Madrid. Indeed, Cucurella spoke about his future in a recent Spain press conference and described Chelsea’s project as an interesting one.
However, behind the scenes, Cucurella was clearly being tempted into a move to Valdebebas. Now, the left-back is set to complete a move to the Bernabeu when the World Cup comes to an eventual end.
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