Marc Cucurella has officially become Chelsea’s third summer signing, with the Blues shelling out £55 million-plus-£7 million to land the Spaniard.
Premier League heavyweights Chelsea have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Marc Cucurella. The Spanish full-back arrives from Brighton & Hove Albion to become the west London club’s third summer signing and has penned a six-year contract lasting until June 30, 2028.
Marc Cucurella’s stock has skyrocketed following his impressive debut season with Brighton & Hove Albion. The 23-year-old took no time to settle down at the Amex Stadium, and after a superb 2021/22 campaign, the Seagulls named him their Player of the Year.
The Spanish international turned out 38 times for Brighton last term, chipping in with a goal and two assists. But Cucurella’s stint with Brighton lasted just one season, as his performances captured the attention of several European bigwigs and, in particular, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Manchester City first looked to sign Cucurella, advancing talks with Brighton rapidly to secure the Spaniard’s services. But discussions with the Seagulls reached a tipping point due to the asking price, allowing Chelsea to steal a march on Manchester City.
Marc Cucurella deal details ? #CFC
▫️ Chelsra pay £55m guaranteed fee plus £7m add-ons;
▫️ Record transfer fee for a left back;
▫️ Cucurella signs until 2028;
▫️ Brighton sign Lewi Colwill on a loan deal without buy option.
Here’s Cucu first pic as new Chelsea player ⤵️? pic.twitter.com/aFlce1gQmK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2022
The Blues ramped up their efforts to sign Cucurella in no time, agreeing on personal terms with the Spaniard this week. And while Brighton denied an agreement with Chelsea, the west Londoners have officiated the transfer, with the Spanish defender becoming their third summer arrival after Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Cucurella expressed his delight at completing the move at his unveiling, saying, “I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.”
According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, the deal is worth £62 million, with the base fee being around £55 million and £7 million constituting add-ons. Cucurella has signed a six-year contract that will last until June 30, 2028, after becoming the third summer signing for Chelsea.
As for Manchester City, the Citizens will need to step up the efforts to sign a left-back after losing Cucurella to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Levi Colwill has joined Brighton on a season-long loan deal, with the Seagulls not having the option to sign him permanently.
