Chelsea’s summer transfer business has started early, but one player has come in for criticism over a £52million move
Marc Cucurella’s switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid has provoked a sharp reaction from former Spain international Gerard Pique. The World Cup-winning centre-half, who played alongside a youthful Cucurella at Barcelona, has taken issue with the left-back’s decision to don the shirt of the Catalan giants’ biggest adversaries.
Pique was among the substitutes when Cucurella made his first-team bow in the 2017/18 Copa del Rey. Yet that solitary outing would mark the extent of the full-back’s senior involvement with Barca, having progressed through the club’s famed La Masia youth system which produced the likes of current Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Gavi.
Following spells with Getafe, Brighton, and Chelsea, Cucurella has now sealed a £51.7million transfer to the Bernabeu. The left-back’s spell in Barca’s first team might have been brief but that didn’t appear to matter to Pique when criticising the decision.
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“Cucurella was formed in La Masia. He wore the Barca badge as a child, learnt the club’s values and knew exactly what Barcelona means to millions of fans around the world. That’s why this hurts even more,” the 39-year-old said.
“A player who comes through La Masia understands the rivalry better than anyone. If you grow up in Barcelona’s youth academy and then choose Real Madrid, don’t expect the Barca fans to celebrate it.
“La Masia is more than just a football academy: it’s an identity. You can leave Barcelona, but joining Real Madrid after coming through the ranks at La Masia? For many fans, that’s crossing a line. People can make their own decisions, but a true Barca fan never forgets where they come from.”
Cucurella’s contract with his new club runs until 2032. He will join up with his new side for pre-season following his involvement with Spain at the World Cup, where he featured for the entire 90 minutes in a scoreless stalemate against Cape Verde in La Roja’s opening fixture.
He is one of a number of new additions, including two more from the Premier League. Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate have joined from Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, both on free transfers.
“Marc Cucurella has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish La Liga side Real Madrid. Cucurella joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022 from Brighton and Hove Albion and was part of the team that lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup last year,” Chelsea said in a statement confirming his departure.
“During Cucurella’s stay at Stamford Bridge, the 27-year-old defender regularly represented the Spanish national team and won the UEFA European Championships in 2024. Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements. We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career.”
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