From Manchester to London: The Marc Cucurella Transfer Saga
Chelsea's new star defender, Marc Cucurella, reveals the dramatic journey that led him to Stamford Bridge, including his desire to join Manchester City and the intriguing negotiations that ensued.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has admitted that he was 'on his knees' to join Manchester City before completing his move to Stamford Bridge. The Spanish full-back left Brighton to join the Blues in the summer of 2022 as Chelsea beat the Cityzens to secure his transfer for a whopping £55 million (€65m/$67m) plus a potential £7m in add-ons.City wanted Cucurella during the summer of 2022 but the club did not agree with the £50m valuation of the player. The Cityzens submitted an initial bid of £30m, which was rejected and then put forward an improved offer of £40m, which was also rebuffed by the Seagulls. Barcelona were also one of the suitors of the Spain international defender and he was open to a move back to the Catalan outfit. However, the deal could not go through as Brighton stuck to their price tag. Chelsea were given a window to initiate talks and the Blues agreed to pay the amount. During the negotiations, Brighton were also pushing to sign youngster Levi Colwill, who eventually moved to the Seagulls on a season-long loan deal.Speaking to Informe, Cucurella claimed that he was elated to play under Pep Guardiola when he learned about City's interest, as he said: "Man City wanted me before I joined Chelsea. They were on fire, one of the best teams in the world. I wanted to go. When they come like they did, when Guardiola asks, you’ll go on your knees if necessary. But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Cucurella was instrumental in keeping compatriot and Barcelona's star attacker Lamine Yamal quiet on the left flank as Estevao starred with a goal in the Blues' thumping 3-0 win over the Spanish champions in the Champions League last month. According to the Daily Mail, Cucurella used Esetvao during Chelsea's training sessions and pulled off some really important tackles as he prepared to face Yamal.The left-back later confirmed this by saying: "Not Yamal vs Cucurella, it's Chelsea vs Barcelona." When asked about his preparation in training for his battle against Yamal, Cucurella added: "I told Estevao to put shin pads on this week because I’m going to be practising on him."The European championship-winning Spanish defender still has three years left in his existing contract, although at the start of the 2025-26 campaign he confirmed that the club have initiated contract talks with him and wants him to remain in west London.The former Brighton defender said, via BBC Sport: "Yes, it's [the contract renewal] done. We already did it. I'm very happy, the club gave me the confidence and I'm very happy to be here. Hopefully, I will have a great year."The 27-year-old will be back in action for Enzo Maresca's side on Wednesday as they take on Leeds United away from home.
The Pursuit of Manchester City
Marc Cucurella's admission that he was 'on his knees' to join Manchester City sheds light on the intense interest from the Cityzens in the Spanish full-back. Despite his eagerness to work under Pep Guardiola, negotiations hit a roadblock as Brighton stood firm on their valuation.
Chelsea's Winning Bid
Chelsea emerged victorious in the transfer saga by agreeing to pay a hefty sum of £55 million plus add-ons to secure Cucurella's services. The Blues' persistence paid off as they beat out fierce competition to bring the talented defender to Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona's Interest and Brighton's Stance
Barcelona's pursuit of Cucurella and Brighton's unwavering stance on their asking price added further intrigue to the transfer saga. Despite the allure of a return to his former club, the defender ultimately ended up at Chelsea, much to the delight of the Blues' faithful.
On-Field Impact and Preparation
Cucurella wasted no time making his mark at Chelsea, showcasing his defensive prowess in high-profile matches such as the clash against Barcelona. His dedication to training, including using teammate Estevao as a practice target, highlights his commitment to excellence on the pitch.
Contract Renewal and Future with Chelsea
With contract talks already underway, Cucurella's commitment to Chelsea is evident as he looks ahead to a promising future with the club. The defender's words reflect a sense of gratitude and ambition as he aims to make a lasting impact in west London.
Upcoming Matches and Continued Success
As Cucurella gears up for future challenges, including the upcoming match against Leeds United, fans can expect to see more of his defensive prowess and tactical acumen on display. With his sights set on further success, the Spanish star is poised to be a key fixture in Chelsea's lineup.
