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Why are Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella? Spain star set for shock transfer from Chelsea originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 World Cup might be dominating the soccer landscape right now, but there are big moves afoot in the transfer market as club sides aim to get their squads in place for preseason.
On Sunday, one of the more surprising moves was confirmed. Fabrizio Romano broke the story that Marc Cucurella would be signing for Real Madrid from Chelsea, with the left-back having agreed to join the Spanish giants.
Cucurella has been a consistent performer for Chelsea amid a general sense of chaos. Although he had publicly questioned some of the decisions at the club, including the dismissal of head coach Enzo Maresca early this year, it did not appear as though a departure from Stamford Bridge was imminent.
So, why has it so quickly been arranged? Here's what we know.
Why are Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella?
According to Romano, who initially reported the deal, Cucurella was a priority signing requested by incoming Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho.
The suggestion is Mourinho wanted Cucurella as his new left-back for the coming season, and it's a deal that makes sense for the club. Madrid have had problems at left-back for some time.
Alvaro Carreras, signed from Benfica last July, was first choice under Xabi Alonso but found himself more marginalised during Alvaro Arbeloa's ill-fated spell in charge.
Ferland Mendy is a fine player when fit, but persistent injuries have left him too often out of action. Mendy's latest injury, a severe rupture of a tendon in his right leg, may require surgery to repair. In fact, there has been speculation that Mendy could choose to retire given he is not expected to play again in 2026.
Fran Garcia has deputised well at times, but he is seen as more of a back-up option.
Cucurella represents the sort of dynamic wide defender Mourinho has often favoured. Alongside fellow new arrivals Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, he could help to form a more solid defensive structure and reduce some of the problems that blighted Los Blancos last season.
How much are Real Madrid paying for Marc Cucurella?
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Madrid will pay a total fee of €60 million ($69.4m / £51.8m) for Cucurella, depending on whether certain bonuses are triggered.
What did Chelsea pay for Marc Cucurella?
Chelsea signed Cucurella from Brighton and Hove Albion in August 2022 for an initial fee of £56m ($74.9m based on current exchange rates).
Although Chelsea are selling the player for less than they paid, the fact they will have amortised the cost of his signing — in other words, spread it out over the years of his contract — means this will unlikely be reflected as a loss on the club's books.
This story is being updated.
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