Teammate Urges Cucurella to Pursue Atletico Madrid Move
Marc Pubill, a teammate of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, has publicly stated that he has encouraged the 27-year-old to leave Stamford Bridge and join him at Atletico Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Cucurella arrived at Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for a reported £63 million, a fee that made him the most expensive left-back in football history at the time. During his tenure with the Blues, he has made 163 appearances across all competitions. After a challenging initial season, he played a role in the club’s Europa Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
Doubts Emerge Over Future at Stamford Bridge
Recent weeks have seen intensified speculation surrounding Cucurella’s future at Chelsea. The Spanish international has reportedly voiced concerns over the club’s decision to part ways with manager Enzo Maresca and has highlighted a perceived lack of experience within the squad.
With the anticipated arrival of Xabi Alonso, there is hope for renewed stability at the club. However, questions persist regarding Cucurella’s long-term commitment to the team.
Transfer Interest from Spain
Reports indicate that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have engaged with individuals representing Cucurella to explore the feasibility of a summer transfer. It is understood that Cucurella is open to a move, despite signing a contract extension less than a year ago. Chelsea is reportedly willing to consider offers that meet their valuation of the player.
Atletico Madrid is considered a strong contender for Cucurella’s signature, and he would reportedly be welcomed by Diego Simeone’s squad. When questioned at Spain’s World Cup training camp about whether he had urged Cucurella to join him at Atletico, Pubill confirmed, “Yes, of course, I’ve already told him!”
When asked about Cucurella’s reaction, Pubill responded with a smile, stating, “Nothing.”
Atletico Madrid Actively Pursuing Deal
Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is reportedly leading the club’s pursuit and has personally discussed a potential move with Cucurella’s representatives. The La Liga club has identified the left-back position as a key area for reinforcement in the upcoming transfer window, notwithstanding the promising performances of Matteo Ruggeri.
Cucurella’s Previous Comments on a Return to Spain
In February, Cucurella spoke about the possibility of returning to Spanish football, having been a product of Barcelona’s youth academy. He commented, “Spain is always Spain. It is where I grew up and you always think about going back. But I would [prefer to] leave it for a few years down the line. I am very happy here and it is a great life experience.”
When pressed about a potential move to Barcelona, Cucurella acknowledged, “It is clear if that situation did arise, it is hard to turn down, but I would have to consider it in the end. It is not just me, I also have to think about my family and together we would have to decide what’s best for us. As I have said before, right now I am not thinking about that. If it comes, it will come, and we will see what decision is made.”
Cucurella’s current contract with Chelsea extends until June 2028. He is one of several Chelsea players whose future has been subject to significant speculation in recent months.
