Chelsea have announced the signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton in a deal worth up to £62.5m, as young defender Levi Colwill heads the other way on a loan deal.
Despite Brighton claiming that no deal had been reached just 48 hours ago, when reports suggested that a £52m deal had been agreed, a more expensive transfer has now been confirmed, and Chelsea took the chance to take a swipe at the South Coast side in their announcement.
“CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA. Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella”, they wrote.
CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.
Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2022
The defender was linked with a move to Manchester City but Pep Guardiola’s side were unwilling to pay more than £40m for the Spaniard. Cucurella handed in a transfer request on Friday and Chelsea pounced on the impasse, with the defender set to be deployed on the left side of Thomas Tuchel’s back three as well as at wing-back.
Marc is a terrific player”, he told the press. “He can play several positions.”
“It helps Ben [Chilwell] escape the pressure to deliver and I absolutely need you now. We have Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson. I think, hopefully, Marc can play on the left of the back three with this profile”, Tuchel added.
His status for Everton
Cucurella could be set to make his Chelsea debut in the first game of the season, with the Blues travelling to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Saturday evening.
While it is not yet confirmed, it is believed that all parties are optimistic about his potential availability, despite the deal being confirmed just over 24 hours before the game is set to take place.
Feeling around Chelsea is that Marc Cucurella will be able to be called up for Everton game. Documents are signed, now race against time but parties fully optimistic. 🔵🔛 #CFC
Cucu, at Cobham since yesterday as he completed medical and then media duties in the morning.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2022
