Reece James has said he is “devastated” to see Marc Cucurella leave Chelsea for Real Madrid, while also revealing he has already spoken with incoming Blues manager Xabi Alonso.
The Chelsea captain is currently with England at the 2026 World Cup, but the left-back’s departure has still landed heavily inside the squad’s leadership group. Cucurella has completed his move to Madrid after four years at Stamford Bridge, leaving Alonso with an immediate defensive issue before his Chelsea reign properly begins.
James praised Cucurella’s level and wished him well after the move, with the reaction coming in a fresh interview with talkSPORT.
James’ Chelsea comments sharpen Alonso’s first squad question
The timing matters because Chelsea are already entering another reset. Alonso is due to inherit a squad that has lost a senior, high-usage left-back and one of its more experienced voices, with James’ comments underlining how highly Cucurella was rated inside the dressing room.
James also said he had spoken to Alonso by phone and had heard positive reports about him, giving Chelsea supporters an early sign that the new manager has started building relationships with key players before pre-season.
The immediate football question is now clear: whether Chelsea trust their existing options on the left side or move quickly for another specialist. For James, the emotional tone was just as clear. Cucurella’s exit is a blow, even if Chelsea’s new era under Alonso is already beginning to take shape.
