The Mt Kenya Times 
Marc Cucurella
By Norman Mwale
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and I grew up watching this team. I did not come here to be comfortable. I came here to win.”
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella in a deal worth a reported €55 million, bolstering Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive options ahead of the new La Liga season. The 26-year-old Spaniard has agreed a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabéu and becomes Los Blancos’ second major defensive acquisition of the summer window after the arrival of a central defender from the Bundesliga.
Cucurella’s move ends a two-year spell at Stamford Bridge that was marked by flashes of attacking quality but also inconsistency amid Chelsea’s broader struggles. The former Brighton and Barcelona full-back was viewed as surplus to requirements under new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who is reshaping the squad to fit a possession-based system that demands different profiles in wide areas. Madrid moved quickly once it became clear the Spain international was available, seeing him as an immediate solution to cover for Ferland Mendy and to provide tactical flexibility on the left flank.
Speaking after completing his medical and signing the contract, Cucurella said he was “proud and ready” for the challenge at the Bernabéu. “Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and I grew up watching this team,” he said. “I know what it means to wear this shirt. I will give everything for the badge, for the fans and for my teammates. I am coming to work hard, to learn and to help the team win trophies.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez described Cucurella as a player who embodied the club’s values of commitment and competitiveness. “Marc is a modern full-back with energy, intelligence and experience at the highest level,” Pérez said. “He understands the demands of playing for Real Madrid and we are convinced he will contribute a great deal to the squad. He arrives at a club that demands excellence every day.”
Carlo Ancelotti welcomed the addition, noting Cucurella’s versatility and work rate would be crucial across a long season that includes La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cups. “Marc gives us balance,” Ancelotti said. “He can defend one-on-one, he can support the attack, and he has the mentality to compete at this level. We already have Ferland, but injuries and the number of matches mean we need quality in every position. Marc fits our idea of football.”
The transfer represents a significant loss for Chelsea, who signed Cucurella for an initial €65 million in 2022 but have now accepted a lower fee to streamline the squad and comply with financial regulations. Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart thanked the player for his service and said the club wished him well. “Marc gave his all while he was here and we appreciate his professionalism,” they said in a joint statement. “This move allows Marc to return to Spain and allows us to continue reshaping the squad in line with the head coach’s plans.”
For Real Madrid, the deal addresses a key area of concern after Mendy missed large parts of last season through injury and with Nacho Fernández having departed. Cucurella’s ability to invert into midfield or overlap in wide areas is expected to suit Ancelotti’s system, which often asks full-backs to contribute to build-up play. The Spaniard’s experience in the Premier League and with the national team, including appearances at Euro 2024, was also a factor in Madrid’s decision to act decisively.
Supporters reacted quickly on social media, with many welcoming a player known for his relentless energy and commitment. Former Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos posted a message of support, saying Cucurella would “feel the Bernabéu” once he settled in. The defender will join pre-season training immediately and is expected to be available for Madrid’s final warm-up fixtures before the league campaign begins.
The transfer brings Chelsea’s summer outgoings closer to €180 million as the club continues to trim a large squad assembled over the past two years. For Cucurella, it is a return to Spain and an opportunity to compete for honours at the highest level. As he put it after holding up the white shirt for the first time: “I did not come here to be comfortable. I came here to win.”
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