Chelsea’s ‘ideal’ Marc Cucurella replacement hints at a move after getting praise from Xabi Alonso
Several clubs are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea’s Spanish left-back, Marc Cucurella, this summer. But if he leaves, who could fill his spot at Stamford Bridge?
Since joining Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, Cucurella has been a key player, helping the team win the Conference League and Club World Cup. Along with Reece James and Enzo Fernandez, he’s one of the experienced leaders in the Chelsea locker room. However, at 27, he might be ready for a move this summer.
The Athletic reports that multiple clubs have asked about the Spain international, who is part of Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man World Cup squad. Even though Cucurella has started talks about a new long-term deal at Chelsea until 2025, he seems open to leaving.
Barcelona is one of the teams interested, with their sporting director Deco already reaching out to his agents. Their coach, Hansi Flick, really likes Cucurella’s skills too. But Barcelona might only sign him if they first sell a defender.
Atletico Madrid also want him, with coach Diego Simeone making him a top target, and their sporting director Mateu Alemany has spoken with Cucurella’s representative. Real Madrid are another option, as they are looking for a left-back and rate him highly, but money could make a move tricky.
Right after news of Cucurella possibly leaving, his fellow Spanish left-back Alejandro “Alex” Grimaldo said he might transfer this summer as well. Grimaldo used to play under Chelsea’s current boss, Xabi Alonso, at Bayer Leverkusen, where the 30-year-old helped the team win two titles in 2024.
Talking to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Grimaldo said, “I want to return to La Liga.” He’s signed with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027, so he could be available for a lower price.
Even though Grimaldo is eager to go back to Spain after 10+ years away, he might find it hard to turn down a chance to reunite with Alonso because they have a strong connection from their time in Germany.
In 2024, Grimaldo told The Athletic, “Being coached by Xabi Alonso is something special. We have a great project and a strong team. I knew I was ready for any league. I’ve always had good numbers for goals and assists. Making decisions in the final third is one of my strengths. This year is going really well thanks to Xabi, his staff, and my teammates.”
About Alonso’s coaching style, Grimaldo explained, “Xabi is tough but fair. If you make a bad pass in training, he says, ‘Come on, you can’t make that mistake!’ He pushes you but also encourages you when you do well. That motivates me, and I love it. I have experience now and don’t mind being corrected. He also supports the younger players, which is great. I wish I had a coach like him when I was 20.”
Grimaldo has scored 30 goals and provided 45 assists in 145 games for Bayer, plus he has 12 Spain caps. Could he be a budget-friendly and almost perfect replacement for Cucurella?