CUCURELLA MARC CHELSEA FUTURE SECURED WITH A NEW DEAL AMIDST AL-NASSR INTEREST: Marc Cucurella’s Chelsea journey is taking a dramatic twist. Once seen as a transfer flop and a likely departure this summer, the Spanish full-back is now firmly back in the Blues’ plans—with a new long-term contract reportedly in the works.
Despite interest from Saudi giants Al-Nassr, Chelsea view the 27-year-old as a key figure in their future, especially under new manager Enzo Maresca. The turnaround marks a stunning resurrection for a player who just a year ago was struggling for minutes and relevance.
FROM STRUGGLING START TO STAMFORD BRIDGE MAINSTAY
When Marc Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022 for a hefty £60 million, expectations were sky-high. The deal made him one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history, coming off a season where he was voted Brighton’s Player of the Year.
But his early Chelsea career was anything but smooth. Injuries, inconsistent form, and managerial changes saw him fall behind Ben Chilwell and lose the confidence of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
That narrative changed dramatically during the second half of the 2023/24 season. Under Mauricio Pochettino—and now Enzo Maresca—Cucurella has rediscovered his best form. His energetic pressing, improved positional awareness, and growing attacking contributions have helped restore his reputation.
CUCURELLA’S IMPRESSIVE 2024/25 NUMBERS
The Victor Osimhen career profile may dominate headlines this summer, but Cucurella’s statistical rise is just as compelling for Chelsea fans.
According to club data:
- Over 100 appearances for Chelsea
- 8 goals and 9 assists from left-back
- Key contributor in Chelsea’s late-season push for Europe in 2024/25
- Most tackles per 90 minutes among Blues defenders last season
These numbers are now being recognized internally, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a new contract extension to secure his long-term services. Marc Cucurella stats – Transfermarkt
AL-NASSR WANT CUCURELLA — BUT CHELSEA WON’T SELL
Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, who recently signed João Félix from Chelsea, are understood to be interested in bringing Cucurella to Riyadh. The club, led by manager Stefano Pioli, is aggressively targeting European talent as they chase a first Saudi Pro League title for Cristiano Ronaldo.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea will not entertain offers for Cucurella this summer. The club sees him as part of a “long-term project”, and Maresca is reportedly keen on keeping him as a first-choice left-back.
The expected arrival of Jorrel Hato from Ajax—an exciting 18-year-old Dutch defender—will not impact Cucurella’s status. Hato is seen as a developmental backup rather than a direct competitor.
MARESCA’S BLUEPRINT & WHY MARC CUCURELLA FITS PERFECTLY
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are building a new identity—possession-heavy, tactically fluid, and aggressive in transition. Cucurella’s ability to invert into midfield, press high, and maintain tempo makes him a valuable asset.
Unlike under previous systems that relied on fixed wingbacks or defensive rigidity, Maresca’s setup encourages full-backs to join midfield buildup—a style Cucurella played in during his La Masia upbringing and at Brighton.
His recent uptick in confidence and form makes him not just a tactical fit but also a dressing room asset, known for his intensity and professionalism. Read also BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer takes fresh twist amid new move in RB Leipzig deal
NEW CONTRACT IMMINENT — WHAT IT MEANS FOR CHELSEA
Chelsea offering Cucurella a new deal is more than a personal reward. It signals a shift in the club’s approach:
- Prioritizing internal development over constant buying
- Rewarding form and loyalty
- Maintaining depth with players already settled in the system
It also cools rumors of a left-back overhaul, with Ben Chilwell still dealing with fitness concerns and Ian Maatsen potentially heading for a permanent exit.
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