Real Madrid secure Cucurella transfer as World Cup approaches in 2026

Real Madrid finalize verbal agreement with Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Madrid strikes Cucurella deal Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea to sign defender Marc Cucurella following the conclusion of the World Cup. The 27-year-old is currently representing Spain at the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A permanent transfer arrangement has been confirmed by all involved parties. While specific contract details and transfer fee specifics remain undisclosed, discussions indicate the amount exceeds the previously reported £43m figure, with an understanding already in place. ## Cucurella's Chelsea exit and Spanish return Cucurella joined Chelsea in 2022 from Brighton for £63m and had expressed a desire to return to Spain, having trained at Barcelona's academy. He was previously linked with Atletico Madrid and a potential return to Barcelona. During an interview in March, the defender criticized Chelsea's leadership following Enzo Maresca's mid-season exit, citing frustration among Spanish-speaking players who struggled under interim manager Liam Rosenior. ## Chelsea's struggles under changing management Rosenior's tenure ended with his dismissal, as Chelsea finished 10th in the standings and missed out on European competition despite temporary leadership from Calum McFarlane. The club has since appointed Xabi Alonso, previously manager of Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, as permanent head coach for the 2026-27 season. Cucurella was part of a group affected by instability, which impacted their performances. ## Madrid's wider transfer ambitions Since Florentino Perez's re-election and Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager, Real Madrid are also pursuing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. Additionally, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is set to join the club after his departure from Anfield. Mourinho returned to Madrid on a three-year contract. ## Related transfer developments Manchester City and Chelsea continue discussions regarding Enzo Maresca's potential move. Other reported transfers include multiple deals involving Chelsea's changing squad structure under new management.