Real Madrid announce Marc Cucurella signing: Jose Mourinho's first signing made official

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Real Madrid have announced the signing of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella on a contract that runs until 2032.

Cucurella has long been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with the Spain defender having sought a return to his homeland.

The 27-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and also Barcelona, yet Jose Mourinho's influence appears to have been decisive in taking him to the Bernabeu in a deal worth €60 million.

Current ETV

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

€45.9M

ETV Range

€41.3M - €50.5M

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Chelsea will receive €55m upfront, with €5m set to follow in bonuses.

In a statement published on the club's official website, Los Blancos announced: "Real Madrid C. F. and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Marc Cucurella, who will be linked to our club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2032."

While Real Madrid have lined up deals for Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva, Cucurella becomes their first official signing of the summer and, therefore, the first player to arrive during Jose Mourinho's second stint at the club.

Real Madrid move decisively for Cucurella

The speed with which Real Madrid have announced the move is surprising.

Despite the noise surrounding Cucurella's future, which the player himself had driven by criticism of BlueCo's transfer policy at Chelsea, the expectation was that he would remain with the Blues until after the World Cup.

“He is not going to create problems for Chelsea and he is not going to force a move. After the World Cup, the situation could change,” Romano told his YouTube channel just a couple of days previously.

Cucurella himself had claimed in an interview with Marca: “I'm very happy where I am, and so is my family… Right now, I'm focused on the World Cup and enjoying this experience, which is my first and who knows if it will be my last.”

Chelsea confident in Hato

Chelsea will not be immediately pressed into the transfer market to replace Cucurella, with Romano indicating that they are happy with Jorrel Hato in the role.

“Chelsea really trust Jorrel Hato,” Romano said. “They believe they have a fantastic talent and they were very happy with his development during the second half of last season. After adapting initially, Chelsea feel Hato can become a very important player for the club.

“They are still likely to add another player who can cover multiple positions.

“But internally the feeling around Hato remains extremely positive.”

One player who represents a strong candidate to replace Cucurella is Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso. A more attacking alternative down the left than the Spaniard, the Italy international is available for transfer in the region of €50m and could fit neatly into a 3-4-3 system should Xabi Alonso opt to play that way at Stamford Bridge.

More to follow...