Anthony Nlebem
Real Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement worth £51.8 million to sign Chelsea and Spain defender Marc Cucurella following the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The 27-year-old is currently representing Spain at the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but reports indicate that all parties have agreed to a permanent transfer valued at £47.5 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons.
The move marks another major step in Madrid’s ambitious rebuilding project under president Florentino Perez, who was recently re-elected and appointed Jose Mourinho as manager.
The Spanish giants are also believed to be pursuing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, while France international Ibrahima Konate is expected to arrive after departing Liverpool.
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for £63 million in 2022 and has long been linked with a return to Spain. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he had also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and his former club, Barcelona.
The defender’s future at Stamford Bridge became increasingly uncertain after he publicly criticised Chelsea’s hierarchy during the March international break following the mid-season departure of Enzo Maresca.
Cucurella was reportedly among a group of Spanish-speaking players who became frustrated with the club’s direction and struggled to adapt under Maresca’s successor, Liam Rosenior.
With only two years remaining on his contract, despite agreeing to improved financial terms without an extension last season, Chelsea appear to have opted to cash in rather than risk his market value declining further.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
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