By Ayomide Otitoju
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish defender Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year contract in a deal worth an initial £47.5 million, with add-ons potentially taking the total fee to £51.8 million.
The 27-year-old joins the Spanish giants four years after Chelsea signed him from Brighton & Hove Albion for £63 million. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella made 163 appearances and helped the club win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Several clubs were reportedly interested in securing the defender’s services, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. However, Cucurella is understood to have prioritised a move to Real Madrid.
The Spain international is currently representing his country at the FIFA World Cup and is expected to feature when Spain begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on Monday.
Cucurella’s departure comes after a season in which he publicly criticised Chelsea’s transfer policy and the club’s decision to part ways with manager Enzo Maresca earlier in the year. He was also not regarded among the club’s untouchable players, a group believed to include Cole Palmer and captain Reece James.
In a statement, Chelsea thanked the defender for his contributions to the club.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements,” the club said.
“We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career.”
The signing adds to an active summer transfer window for incoming Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, who is set to officially assume his role next month. The club have already secured the arrivals of Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could look internally to fill the vacancy at left-back, with Dutch defender Jorrel Hato, who joined from Ajax last summer for £37 million, emerging as a contender for the starting role. The London club may also seek reinforcements in the position before the transfer window closes.
Cucurella’s move is understood to be unrelated to ongoing speculation linking Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández with a transfer to Real Madrid. While Fernández previously expressed openness to living in Madrid, Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to consider offers below £120 million for the Argentine, who joined the club from Benfica in 2023 for £106.8 million.
