Out of the Blue: Cucurella to leave Chelsea for Real

A bolt from the blue! One day before Spain's opening World Cup match, one of its players has agreed the transfer of his career: Marc Cucurella is joining Real Madrid! Marca, AS and The Athletic provided additional details of the deal. The transfer is worth 60 million euros, with 55 million guaranteed and the remaining amount tied to bonuses. In any case, Chelsea have already given the green light, and according to The Athletic, the move should be finalized early next week. With this signing, the Madrid club continues the defensive overhaul that is already underway. As a reminder, the Spanish runners-up have already agreed deals for right-back Denzel Dumfries and center-back Ibrahima Konate. Cucurella's arrival would complete the left side of the back line.

He eats paella, he drinks Estrella, he tells his barber list of Chelsea's absent players

Without any doubt, Cucurella's transfer to Real Madrid is one of the biggest surprises of the June transfer window so far. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had both been in contact with the player's representatives, and Cucurella himself openly flirted with the Catalan club two and a half months ago, saying it would be difficult for him to turn down an offer from Camp Nou. Until a few days ago, Atletico were considered favorites to sign him, especially since, unlike the Spanish champions, they did not need to wait for funds from player sales. However, Real Madrid suddenly entered the race and stole yet another target from their fierce rivals. And it's not the first time recently—just days ago, they also secured the signing of Bernardo Silva, another player who had been pursued by both Atletico and Barcelona.

Four Musketeers: Sacked by Chelsea, reborn on the World Cup stage

Cucurella arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu as one of Europe's most highly regarded left-backs and, according to The Athletic, a personal request of new manager Jose Mourinho, who reportedly identified him as one of his top transfer priorities. It did not take Florentino Pérez long to grant that wish. His arrival, however, will create both congestion and a selection headache at left-back, as Madrid would now have four options in the first team: Marc Cucurella, Alvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Ferland Mendy. As a result, at least one player is expected to leave the club soon, with García currently viewed as the most likely departure should a satisfactory offer arrive, according to Marca. Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton four years ago for 65 million euros. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he made 163 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists, while helping the club win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.