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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Cucurella won the Conference League and Club World Cup at Chelsea By Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter Published 25 minutes ago Real Madrid have a verbal agreement in place worth £47.5m, with a further £4.3m in add-ons, to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella after the World Cup. The 27-year-old is currently with Spain at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but a deal has been struck between all parties for a permanent transfer. Since president Florentino Perez was re-elected and appointed Jose Mourinho as manager, Real are understood to also be targeting Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, while France defender Ibrahima Konate is set to join after leaving Liverpool . Cucurella, who joined Chelsea for £63m from Brighton in 2022, was understood to have been keen to return to Spain, having come through Barcelona's academy. He had been linked with Atletico Madrid and a move back to Barcelona . The Catalan also gave an interview during the March international break criticising Chelsea 's hierarchy following Enzo Maresca's mid-season departure. He was part of a core group of Spanish-speaking players who were frustrated by the situation and struggled to perform under Maresca's successor, Liam Rosenior. Cucurella had two years left on his contract, despite agreeing improved terms without an extension last season, which is likely to have played a part in Chelsea 's decision to accept the offer. Rosenior was eventually sacked, with Chelsea finishing 10th and failing to qualify for Europe despite the temporary appointment of Calum McFarlane as caretaker manager. Former Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has since been appointed as the club's permanent manager for the 2026-27 campaign. Related topics Football Premier League Chelsea Football Transfers Spanish La Liga Real Madrid More on this story Man City and Chelsea remain in talks over Maresca Published 6 days ago Real Madrid bring back Mourinho on three-year deal Published 2 days ago Real Madrid's £130m Alvarez bid rejected Published 4 days ago
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  • 2
    This transfer could be a game-changer for Real Madrids defensive solidity while giving Cucurella a chance to compete for European glory. Progressive football fans should support moves that build sustainable success over flashy spending.
  • 0
    This transfer feels like another example of wealthy clubs prioritizing ego over environmental responsibility - how many miles are these players flying in private jets while were fighting climate change?