By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Spain, June 14, 2026 - One of the biggest transfer surprises of the summer appears to be nearing completion after reports emerged that Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Chelsea and Spain left-back Marc Cucurella.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that a verbal agreement is now in place between all parties, with Cucurella expected to join the Spanish giants once his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an end. The move is believed to be worth more than €50 million, although various reports suggest the final package could fall somewhere between €40 million and €60 million depending on performance-related add-ons.
Just a few weeks ago, Real Madrid were not widely considered the frontrunners for Cucurella's signature.
The Spanish defender had been linked with several clubs, including Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City. Atlético Madrid were reportedly making a strong push for the player, while Barcelona had long been viewed as a possible destination due to Cucurella's history in La Masia.
Instead, it is Real Madrid who have moved decisively.
According to reports, the club identified Cucurella as their preferred solution at left-back after reviewing several options available on the market. Real Madrid's coaching staff wanted an experienced player capable of making an immediate impact rather than investing in a younger, less proven alternative.
The 27-year-old has transformed himself into one of Europe's most reliable full-backs.
After a difficult start to life at Chelsea following his high-profile move from Brighton in 2022, Cucurella gradually became one of the club's most consistent performers. His aggressive defending, relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute in attack helped him rebuild his reputation both in England and internationally.
His stock rose even further after playing a crucial role in Spain's recent international success, establishing himself as one of the world's premier left-backs. Real Madrid believe he can provide immediate stability in a position that has been affected by injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons.
For Chelsea supporters, the news will come as a significant disappointment.
While the Blues are expected to receive a substantial transfer fee, Cucurella had emerged as one of the squad's leaders and most dependable performers. In a period marked by managerial changes and inconsistent results, the Spaniard remained one of the few players whose performances rarely dipped below expectations.
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Reports earlier this month suggested that Chelsea would only consider offers above €50 million, reflecting the club's determination not to lose the player cheaply. Real Madrid's proposal appears to have met those demands.
Several reports suggest that Real Madrid manager José Mourinho played a key role in pushing for the signing.
The Portuguese coach reportedly identified Cucurella as his priority target for the left-back position and urged the club to move quickly before rival clubs could intensify their interest. His experience, versatility, and winning mentality reportedly made him an ideal fit for Madrid's rebuilding plans.
For Cucurella, the transfer represents a return to Spanish football after several successful years in the Premier League.
Having come through Barcelona's academy before establishing himself at Getafe and later Brighton, he now appears set to wear the famous white shirt of Real Madrid in what could become the biggest chapter of his career.
The move also offers him the opportunity to compete regularly for La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League, and major international honours at club level.
Although reports describe the deal as effectively completed, final paperwork is expected to be finalized after the World Cup. Cucurella remains focused on Spain's campaign, while both clubs are expected to complete the remaining administrative steps once the tournament concludes.
If completed as expected, the transfer will rank among the most surprising deals of the 2026 summer window.
Few would have predicted that a player developed by Barcelona would one day swap Chelsea for Real Madrid. Yet football continues to deliver unexpected twists, and Marc Cucurella now appears destined to become the latest star to walk through the doors of the Santiago Bernabéu.