Cucurella Would Have Crawled to City for a Dream Move, Chelsea Had Other Plans
3 December 2025
Overview
Marc Cucurella, Chelsea’s left-sided defender, says he was prepared to go to great lengths to join Manchester City before moving to Chelsea. He notes that Guardiola’s interest would have made the bid feel almost unstoppable, but the clubs could not reach an agreement.
He explained that the deal collapsed mainly because Brighton’s financial demands were outside the market norms, effectively scuppering the move to City.
Career Path and Background
The pursuit of Cucurella did not start with England. Atletico Madrid had shown interest earlier, before his shift from Getafe to Brighton kicked off his Premier League journey. The 27-year-old came through Barcelona’s La Masia, a cradle that produced several notable talents in world football.
His time at Brighton demonstrated defensive solidity and attacking intent, including a role as a left centre-back in a three-man defense under coach Graham Potter.
The breakout at Brighton opened the door to Chelsea in 2022 for about 60 million pounds, despite competition within the squad, including Ben Chilwell. Early in his Blues career he faced criticism, with some questioning whether he fit Chelsea’s style.
Chelsea Era and Current Form
In recent seasons, Cucurella has rediscovered form and remains a key asset under coach Enzo Maresca, delivering strong defensive performances in the Premier League and in the Champions League.
His Chelsea chapter illustrates a player who adapted, evolved, and contributed on multiple fronts, reinforcing the idea that big-money moves come with big scrutiny but also big opportunities.
Note: The transfer saga also included links to clubs beyond England, reminding us that football’s transfer market is a global soap opera, with plot twists featuring Madrid, Barcelona, and a few banks along the way.
Punchlines for the road: If kneeling for a transfer were an Olympic sport, Guardiola would have retired with a shelf full of gold. And as for Brighton’s negotiation tactics, apparently the only thing heavier than the price tag is the bank statement that came with it. Enjoy the show, folks.
