There has been plenty of talk surrounding Chelsea and potential exits in recent weeks. Enzo Fernandez has done nothing to downplay the speculation surrounding his future. His comments after the PSG game were termed as ‘misconstrued’ by Liam Rosenior. But then, the Argentine recently admitted during an interview that he would like to live in Madrid. The timing is curious, and so is the city he mentioned.
Of course, Fernandez is not the only Chelsea player being linked away. There is some speculation surrounding the future of Cole Palmer as well. And Moises Caicedo is the only one who has openly committed his future to the club.
Now, it might be time to add Marc Cucurella’s name to the list of players being linked with a move away from Chelsea. There had not been much speculation about the Spaniard. But after his latest comment, there is bound to be some.
As reported by MARCA, Cucurella was recently asked if he would find it difficult to turn down if Barcelona called him. He replied:
“It would be difficult to refuse. It’s not just me. I would have to think about my family. If it comes, it will come and we will see the decision that is made.”
Marc Cucurella makes Barcelona admission
That might be just Cucurella being honest about things. After all, he did come up through the La Masia ranks but was never able to make it at Barcelona.
He made just one appearance for Barca before leaving. Cucurella would go on to establish himself at the senior level at Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion. And at Chelsea, he has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.
Still just 27 years of age, Cucurella is only entering his prime years. So, could a return to Barcelona be on the cards for the Spanish left-back? Chelsea should be hoping that it is not so.
Chelsea cannot afford to lose Cucurella right now
It would be safe to say that Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s best players over the past few seasons. He had a rough start at Stamford Bridge and looked like another flop for his first 18 months after joining from Brighton. But he would come into his own in the second half of the 23/24 campaign. Since then, he has remained a nailed-on starter for both club and country.
Cucurella is one of the few players that Chelsea have who has some top-level experience under his belt. And while he has not been as good as last season, the Spaniard remains a key performer for the Blues.
Jorrel Hato was signed from Ajax in the summer. After a difficult start, he has shown signs of his quality lately as well. But he is nowhere near ready to be a starter for Chelsea. The club still need the Spaniard both on the pitch and in the dressing room. If there is any chance of this team succeeding, the left-back is likely going to be a central figure in that, like he was for Spain at EURO 2024.
So, letting Cucurella go should not even be a consideration for Chelsea. The Barcelona question was a hypothetical one. But even if they come calling at some point, the Blues must make sure that they do everything in their power to keep the left-back at Stamford Bridge.
