Cucurella Wants Out — Can Chelsea Even Afford to Let Him Go?
Barcelona, Atletico and Real Madrid are all circling. Chelsea won't stand in his way — but the fee debate is very real.
Cucurella lifts the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain. A World Cup on the horizon only increases his market value.Marc Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea this summer, with The Athletic confirming the Spain international is willing to depart Stamford Bridge after a frustrating season in which he openly questioned the club's hierarchy and direction. Chelsea will not stand in his way if an offer meets their valuation — though, ideally, the club would have preferred to either extend his contract or revisit a sale next summer. Xabi Alonso wants to keep him, but the player's own desire to return to Spain is proving stronger. Barcelona's Deco has been in touch with his camp, Atletico Madrid have already made contact and do not need to wait on sales, while Real Madrid's interest remains unclear — all confirmed via @CFCPys. Atletico's Marc Pubill has even publicly admitted he has already told Cucurella to join him at the Metropolitano.The key question for Chelsea is financial. They paid £56 million for Cucurella — rising to a potential £63 million in add-ons — and whether they can recoup that figure, or surpass it, is far from guaranteed. The argument in their favour is timing: Cucurella is 27, in his prime, and a World Cup starter for Spain. His value will not be higher than it is right now, and a strong tournament could only drive the price up further. Atletico were reportedly considering an offer in the region of €55 million earlier in the year. If that holds — or climbs — Chelsea have a genuine chance of breaking even on a player who, at his best under Maresca's high-pressing system, was one of the most effective left-backs in the Premier League. The World Cup will decide a great deal. Chelsea should let it run.
