Front page report as Chelsea defender wants out – Star wants transfer after turmoil
Barcelona have emerged as an option for Chelsea‘s Marc Cucurella after this season.
The left-back is a product of Barcelona’s academy but didn’t get regular opportunities to prove his worth with their first team.
After spells at Eibar and Getafe, he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 and then to Chelsea a year later.
After overcoming initial difficulties, the left-back has been a regular for the Blues, making 158 appearances.
His Premier League stats this season are as follows:
- Appearances: 30
- Starts: 27
- Total minutes: 2,350
- Minutes per game: 78
- Interceptions per game: 1.0
- Tackles per game: 1.6
- Recoveries per game: 3.3
- Clearances per game: 2.9
- Blocked shots per game: 0.3
- Duels won per game: 3.5
On Tuesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Barcelona want to sign the 27-year-old. The same source stated the La Liga side talked about the Chelsea star within the club.
No contact with Chelsea player
Marc Cucurella would welcome a move to Barcelona, and this is on the front page of today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo.
Within the report, the newspaper states the Spain international ‘opens the door’ to joining the La Liga winners.
Add world: ‘For him, a return to Barca would be a personal dream, a special motivation to come back to the club of his life as a more mature player.’
During the last international break, the Spanish media asked him about the possibility of returning to the Camp Nou.
At that time, he said: “It would be difficult to turn it down. I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made.”
While the defender opens the door, Barcelona sporting director Deco hasn’t held talks with his agent so far.
In addition to this, the situation at Stamford Bridge is another reason why the 27-year-old is open to joining Barcelona.
The Blues parted ways with Enzo Maresca in January and appointed Liam Rosenior as his successor. Earlier this month, the Club World Cup winners sacked the latter after a series of poor performances.
Chelsea are now eighth in the table, two points behind sixth placed Brighton & Hove Albion and 10 behind fifth placed Aston Villa. They are likely to miss out on the Champions League.
Cucurella could consider leaving the west London club if there’s an attractive offer and the Blues would also be open to a sale for around €50m.
It’s unclear whether Barca are willing to pay this while his salary shouldn’t be an issue. For now, he isn’t a priority as Deco is focusing on improving other positions. The Catalan club could consider the Spaniard if there’s a significant sale in the summer.
Contract, value and agent info
Marc Cucurella’s contract expires in 2028 and is valued at €50m by Transfermarkt.
The Blues fullback is being managed by agents Aleix Pique and Alvaro Dominguez.
