Chelsea probably weren't expecting Marc Cucurella to become one of their most important players after the way his Stamford Bridge career started.
The Spaniard struggled badly during his first season following his move from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022. He looked like another expensive signing who wasn't able to do it at Chelsea, but that has definitely changed in recent seasons.
The 27-year-old has developed into one of the most reliable players in the squad, so it comes as no surprise to see him linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Simon Phillips drops worrying Marc Cucurella transfer update
Speaking recently about Cucurella’s future, Simon Phillips confirmed Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both hold interest in the Chelsea defender.
But interestingly, Phillips also suggested another club may actually be the one worth paying closer attention to.
"At the moment, I’d say watch Man City more than those two, but yes, this is true."
Suggestions Manchester City are interested in signing Cucurella makes his situation more alarming because while links to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are understandable given his Spanish connection, Manchester City create a whole different sort of problem.
Enzo Maresca is set to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad next season, and having worked with Cucurella at Chelsea — a player he was openly labelled 'phenomenal' — is keen to form a reunion in time for next season.
Chelsea cannot afford to lose Marc Cucurella now
Despite Xabi Alonso preparing to take charge of the Blues, it seems Cucurella could be a player who could genuinely move on.
And that would be awful timing because after years of problems at the back, the likes of Cucurella, as well as the recently returned Levi Colwill, have certainly helped improve this area of the pitch.
Although there is still a lot of work to be done, across the entire squad, the left-back position is one Chelsea will feel most confident about.
Chelsea have also relied on Cucurella to step into a more advanced role in recent weeks — a position he thrived in — so his versatility is also valuable, and that's not easy to replace.
During his four years at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella, who has two years left on his contract, has directly contributed to 22 goals in 162 games in all competitions. He was part of the Chelsea side who won the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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