Marc Cucurella called time on his Chelsea career after recently agreeing to a transfer to Real Madrid.
Once Cucurella's unhappiness became apparent, Los Blancos moved quickly to sign him. A deal was agreed a rapid speed with rumours suggesting even Xabi Alonso was overlooked.
Cucurella's move to the Santiago Bernabeu saw Chelsea potentially pocket as much as £51.8 million.
However, despite Chelsea's failure to qualify for European football next season, there is more at stake than just money.
Reece James breaks silence on Marc Cucurella's decision to leave Chelsea
Club captain Reece James played with Cucurella for four years. The pair — operating on either flank — won the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup together.
Consequently, and rather unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old has admitted he was gutted when the club confirmed the Spaniard's decision to move on.
"Yeah, I spoke with him a few days ago," James told talkSPORT. "You know, he's obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world, for sure.
"This is football. Players move every few months and I'm devastated to see him go. But I wish him all the best."
The pair played 87 times together with Chelsea averaging 1.68 points per game every time they shared the pitch.
Still uncertainty over Blues signing new left-back
Even though Chelsea rate Jorrel Hato highly and have an expectation that he could fill the void left by Cucurella at full-back, there is speculation Alonso will look to bring in a direct replacement.
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is among the Premier League names most heavily linked with a switch — or in his case, return — to Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old was part of the Blues' academy before moving to Newcastle United, initially on loan and then permanently in 2024.
Hall has undoubtedly grown into one of the country's most exciting left-backs, but any deal to bring him back to west London wouldn't come cheap. The Magpies will want to make a substantial profile on the £35 million they paid for him two years ago.
Should Chelsea press ahead and look to re-sign Hall, yes, he would be a great addition, but more questions will be raised over the sporting department's ability to make the right decisions.
During his three years at St. James' Park, Hall, who was very unlucky not be included in England's 26-man World Cup squad, has directly contributed to 10 goals in 102 matches.
He was part of the Magpies' team that lifted the 2024-25 Carabao Cup; the club's first trophy in 56 years.
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