'One of the best in the world' - Chelsea receive official verdict on €55m summer deal

21 Jun 2026 11:58 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted his disappointment at the club’s decision to sell Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €55 million this summer.

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Cucurella, 27, expressed his disaffection with the direction of Chelsea’s project during the latter stages of last season and the west London giants opted against blocking a summer transfer due to the rapid development of Jorrel Hato.

Current ETV

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€41.3M - €50.5M

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona were considered to be the frontrunners for Cucurella’s signature, but Real Madrid swooped and finalised a €55m deal last week as they look to back new boss Jose Mourinho in the transfer market.

Los Blancos have also signed Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva so far this summer, while Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries will join the club following the conclusion of the World Cup after they reached a full agreement to purchase the Netherlands international.

Cucurella had been an instrumental player for Chelsea throughout a successful four-year spell at the club, racking up 163 first-team appearances, however he will be 28 years old by the time the 2026-27 season begins and the Blues hierarchy ultimately decided to accept a sale after receiving a tempting offer from Real Madrid.

Fellow superstar Enzo Fernandez could be set to follow the Spaniard from Chelsea to Real Madrid before the summer transfer window shuts on 1 September, with a major squad overhaul expected to take place at Stamford Bridge after a 10th place finish last season.

When asked about Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid ahead of England’s second World Cup group stage game against Ghana on Tuesday, James told reporters: “I spoke with him a few days ago. He's obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world.

“This is his football, you know, players move every few months, and I'm devastated to see him go, but I wish him all the best.”

© IMAGO - Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid

Reece James confirms Xabi Alonso talks

Meanwhile, James has also confirmed that he has spoken to new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso ahead of the Spaniard’s arrival on 1 July.

“We've spoken a couple times on the phone. I haven't met him in person yet,” he told talkSPORT.

“Everyone I've spoken to about him says he's an amazing, amazing manager. I know him more from his playing career. You know, he had an amazing career, and now I'm excited to welcome him.

“It's strange. I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard. He was one of my idols growing up, and then when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment. I'm delighted that Xabi Alonso is our manager, and I'm excited.”

James is expected to start at right-back for England against Ghana on Tuesday, although he could feature in midfield again after moving into the middle of the park during the latter stages versus Croatia in the Three Lions’ opening group stage game.

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