Marc Cucurella came close to leaving Chelsea over the summer after a disappointing debut season, but a loan move to Manchester United fell through over FIFA regulations.
The 25-year-old was forced to stay at Stamford Bridge but finds himself out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino weeks later, so transfer talk has arisen again.
Pochettino has options in Cucurella’s stead
James Olley of ESPN says Chelsea will listen to offers for Cucurella when the January transfer window opens. The Blues have Levi Colwill who can operate as a makeshift left-back while the injured Ben Chilwell and Ian Maatsen are naturals in the role, so they can afford to part company with the Spanish international.
United wanted to sign Cucurella on loan last month after losing Luke Shaw to injury, but they wanted a break clause in the contract that Chelsea couldn’t accept – FIFA laws stipulate that a player can’t represent three clubs in one season, so the Blues wouldn’t be able to sell him on. United went on to sign Sergio Reguilon and Cucurella has been sat on the bench ever since.
The 25-year-old has made two appearances in all competitions this season but hasn’t played a single minute of football in the Premier League. He’s mostly been an unused substitute under Pochettino and might have to leave for more playing time. Real Madrid have been linked with a move, but it remains to mains to be seen where he’ll end up.
Chelsea to generate transfer funds trimming deadwood
Chelsea paid £60m to Brighton & Hove Albion for Cucurella in the summer of 2022 and would prefer a permanent sale if he was to leave. Todd Boehly has spent £400m on signings this summer alone, so he’ll want to make as much money back as possible. Cucurella wanted to fight for his place in July, but he might be open to a move if he remains on the periphery in the coming months.
Finding a suitor willing to pay £60m for his signature and £175k-per-week wages to agree personal terms might be difficult, however.
