Marc Cucurella is reportedly closing in on joining Manchester United, with the Red Devils discussing the terms of the agreement with Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Marc Cucurella will soon complete the move to Manchester United. The Red Devils are negotiating the terms of a loan deal with Chelsea. And the Spanish defender is keen on moving to Old Trafford for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
Marc Cucurella would have hoped to become the long-term left-back solution for Chelsea after arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. The West London club paid a whopping €70 million to prise him away from the Amex Stadium. But the 25-year-old has not been bang for the buck in the last 12 months.
The Spaniard suffered from the inconsistencies plaguing Chelsea last season. But one can say that he was part of the problem at Stamford Bridge instead of the victim of circumstances. Either way, Cucurella’s stock has plummeted, and he is yet to feature for Chelsea this season. But that has not deterred his prospective suitors, including Manchester United.
Widespread reports have heavily linked the Spanish international with Newcastle United this summer. But Manchester United’s entry into the picture a few days ago has changed the equation. And the Red Devils contacted Chelsea last week to discuss a deal for the player.
Luke Shaw picked up a long-term muscle injury ten days ago against Tottenham Hotspur. And with Tyrell Malacia nursing a knee issue, Erik ten Hag does not have a senior left-back in his squad. In addition, Manchester United will prefer to loan Alvaro Fernandez out this summer instead of relying on him in Shaw and Malacia’s absence.
Cucurella thus emerged as a viable target for Manchester United last week. And recent reports have pointed to Chelsea being open to loaning him out ahead of Deadline Day. Considering the Blues cannot recoup anything close to the €70 million they paid to secure his services last summer, it makes sense to send him out temporarily. And the player is now close to joining Manchester United.
Meanwhile, many have been surprised by Manchester United’s interest in Cucurella. But it is worth noting that the 25-year-old Spanish defender won Brighton’s Player of the Year award only 15 months ago. So, taking a chance on the struggling Chelsea defender might be worth their while.
