Cucurella joins Real Madrid; Fernandez transfer speculation follows
10 reported1 unconfirmed
Marc Cucurella has officially joined Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £51.8m, announced on Monday morning just hours before his opening World Cup game with Spain. The transfer raises the question of whether his former Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez could follow, with sources in Spain indicating a similar scenario may develop. Fernandez is valued by Chelsea at £120m, and it remains unclear how much Chelsea are willing to negotiate or whether Real Madrid would meet that valuation. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted at a potential signing worth 150m euros (£129.6m), having had a bid at that value rejected for Julian Alvarez. Well-placed sources say Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid, though Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have distanced themselves from any interest. Cucurella’s departure from Chelsea follows a dip in form and criticism of the club’s management, and the sale improves Chelsea’s financial position amid a 10th-place Premier League finish and lost European revenue.
What’s reported
Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £51.8m, announced on Monday morning.
The 27-year-old defender’s transfer was agreed on Sunday evening.
Sources in Spain say the agreement progressed rapidly with Chelsea.
Enzo Fernandez is valued by Chelsea at £120m.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted at a potential signing worth 150m euros (£129.6m), after a bid at that value was rejected for Julian Alvarez.
Well-placed sources say Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid.
Manchester City and Paris St-Germain are understood to have distanced themselves from interest in Fernandez.
Cucurella’s form dipped under Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, and he criticized the managerial uncertainty and running of the club.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will lose revenue by missing European competition.
The sale of Cucurella equates to a profit of around £17.5m in accounting terms.
Open questions
Whether Real Madrid will meet Chelsea’s £120m valuation for Enzo Fernandez, and how much Chelsea are willing to negotiate.
Key figures
Marc Cucurella, 27-year-old defender, formerly of Chelsea, now at Real Madrid.
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea midfielder, Argentina international.
Florentino Perez, re-elected Real Madrid club president.
Xabi Alonso, new Chelsea manager.
Liam Rosenior, former Chelsea manager (mid-season replacement).
Mario Melchiot, former Chelsea defender (commentator).
Jorrel Hato, Dutch defender signed from Ajax.
Valentin Barco, Argentine player expected to join Chelsea from Strasbourg.
Josh Acheampong, Chelsea defender (not for sale).
Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool defender set to sign for Real Madrid.
Denzel Dumfries, Inter Milan full-back set to sign for Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City midfielder set to sign for Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho, returning Real Madrid manager.
Sources: BBC News
