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Deal Agreed After World Cup
Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella in a package worth up to €60m (£52m), with an initial €55m plus €5m in add-ons for the 27-year-old Spain left-back.
“Real Madrid have agreed a deal worth up to £51”
The Guardian says Cucurella will complete the deal after this summer’s tournament, while Sky Sports reports the 27-year-old is currently in the US with the Spain squad and will complete his move after the World Cup has concluded.
Sky Sports also frames the transfer as a blow to incoming Blues boss Xabi Alonso, noting that Cucurella was a priority signing for new Real manager Jose Mourinho.
The Guardian adds that Madrid are moving quickly after appointing José Mourinho as their manager and have bolstered their defence with moves for the Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries and the former Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté.
Chelsea, Mourinho, and Criticism
Cucurella’s exit is tied to his public criticism of the Chelsea hierarchy during the March international break, with The Guardian saying he threw his future into doubt after criticising the Chelsea hierarchy.
The Guardian reports that Cucurella said the team paid for “inexperience” when thrashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and it also says he raised misgivings over Enzo Maresca’s departure as head coach.
Sky Sports adds that Cucurella made public comments criticising Chelsea's transfer policy and the decision to let Enzo Maresca leave at the start of the year, and it says he is not considered one of Chelsea's “untouchable” players, which includes Cole Palmer and club captain Reece James.
The Guardian also notes that Madrid’s interest comes as they revamp their squad after two trophyless years, and it says they are moving quickly after appointing José Mourinho as their manager.
Fees, Options, and Next Moves
The reported fee structure varies across outlets, with The Guardian saying Madrid have agreed to pay an initial €55m plus €5m in add-ons, while Sky Sports puts the deal at £47.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons with the potential to rise to £51.8m in total.
“Marc Cucurella will play for Real Madrid”
Sky Sports says Chelsea signed Cucurella from Brighton four years ago for £63m, and it adds that the move is separate from any possible move for midfielder Enzo Fernandez to the same club.
The Guardian says Madrid have agreed to sign the former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer and that it remains to be seen whether Madrid look to do further business with Chelsea by attempting to sign Enzo Fernández.
In the background of the transfer, The Guardian says Madrid are revamping their squad after two trophyless years and that they have been encouraged by the form of Cucurella’s deputy, the 20-year-old Netherlands left-back Jorrel Hato.
