Marc Cucurella has told Chelsea he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports in Spain, triggering interest from several high-profile European clubs including Manchester United, who are reportedly preparing to make a move for the Spanish left-back.
United manager Michael Carrick has reportedly identified Cucurella as a priority signing as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a return to the Champions League. The 27-year-old is said to have “no intention” of remaining at Chelsea, having been openly critical of the club’s board earlier in the season. Chelsea are reportedly resigned to his departure and would seek a transfer fee in the region of €40–50 million (approximately £34–43 million).
Despite United’s reported interest, Cucurella’s preferred destination is understood to be Barcelona, the club where he came through the academy before moving on to Getafe and then Brighton, prior to his £62 million move to Chelsea in 2022. However, a return to the Catalan side is contingent on Barcelona first selling fellow Spain international Alejandro Balde, with the club only expected to lodge a formal offer if that sale is completed.
Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have also long been credited with an admiration for Cucurella, adding further competition for his signature. The breadth of interest reflects the defender’s standing within European football, despite a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge that has been marked by inconsistent form and reported friction with the club’s ownership.
For now, Cucurella remains focused on international duty. He is part of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is reportedly prepared to delay any decision on his club future until after the tournament concludes. Spain, the reigning European champions, are among the favourites for the World Cup, and Cucurella is expected to feature prominently under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Chelsea’s summer is shaping up to be one of significant transition. Cucurella is one of several players understood to have been linked with exits from west London following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season. The club has also been reported to be exploring options to replace him, with a €50 million move for an Xabi Alonso favourite among the options being considered, according to reports.
For Manchester United, securing Cucurella would address a longstanding area of weakness. Left-back has been a problematic position for the club in recent seasons, and Carrick — who stepped into the managerial role following the dismissal of his predecessor — is said to be keen to use the summer window to rebuild key areas of the squad. United’s Champions League return adds urgency to those recruitment plans, with UEFA competition requiring greater squad depth and quality.
No formal offers have yet been submitted for Cucurella, and the situation is likely to remain fluid until after the World Cup. The tournament runs through July 2026, meaning the most consequential phase of negotiations across European football’s summer transfer window may be compressed into a tight timeframe once national team campaigns conclude.
