The Seagulls have sold Spaniard Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for a club-record transfer fee; the two clubs confirmed the completion of the deal on Friday noon, with 62 million pounds – after add-ons – exchanging hands and Levi Colwill joining the Seagulls on a dry loan for the 2022/23 season in return.
The Spaniard signed a six-year contract with the Blues, which will run until the end of the 2027/28 season, becoming their fifth signing of the summer after Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Gabriel Slonina, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
A versatile defender, 24-year-old Cucurella spent just one season at Brighton playing in various positions such as left-back, left-wingback, and left centre-back. Previously, at his former club Getafe, he had also been deployed in a more advanced role as a right midfielder and a right winger.
Speaking to the club website, Cucurella expressed his delight at signing for Chelsea, whom he labeled one of the best clubs in the world.
“It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team,”
he said.
The player was welcomed to the club by new co-owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly. The American proclaimed the one-cap Spain international to be an “elite defender”, one who had also proven himself in the Premier League.
“Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season. We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea,”
Boehly remarked.
Cucurella remains in contention to feature for Chelsea in their opening game of the season against Everton; the Blues play the Toffees away from home on Saturday night.
