La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly mulling over re-signing Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi Hernandez wants Barcelona to re-sign Marc Cucurella next year. The Blaugrana will enter the market for a left-back in the 2023 summer transfer window, with the Chelsea defender being an option.
Marc Cucurella passed through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in his formative years and spent eight years with the Blaugrana. But the Spaniard managed only one cameo for Barcelona before embarking on a loan spell at SD Eibar. Another temporary stint at Getafe followed before the Madrilenian club snapped him up permanently in 2020.
The 24-year-old then joined Brighton & Hove Albion last year, enjoying a solid 2021/22 campaign that ended with him winning the club’s Player of the Year award. But Cucurella’s stint with Brighton lasted only one year as he joined Chelsea this past summer. However, he has blown hot and cold at the west London club thus far.
Cucurella has made 18 appearances for Chelsea, but he is yet to stamp his authority at Stamford Bridge. And the Spanish defender’s latest stint might also last only one year, with Xavi Hernandez keen on bringing him back to Barcelona.
Barcelona will likely enter the market for a left-back next summer, with Jordi Alba facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou. Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona will soon open talks with the veteran defender to terminate his contract. And Alba’s departure will compel the Catalan outfit to sign a replacement.
While Barcelona might extend Marcos Alonso’s stay, the former Chelsea defender is only a short-term option. So Cucurella is a viable target for the Blaugrana, keeping next summer in mind. But Chelsea might be reluctant to part ways with the Spaniard despite his struggles after breaking the bank to sign him.
In addition, Cucurella will not be a cheap acquisition, considering he is on a long-term contract at Chelsea. However, with Xavi keen on bringing the 24-year-old back to Spotify Camp Nou, it will be interesting to see if a move back to Barcelona sees the light of day.
