Marc Cucurella Reveals He Begged for Man City Move Before Chelsea Transfer Reality Hit
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has revealed his fervent desire to sign with Manchester City, prior to his eventual transfer to Stamford Bridge. The Spanish full-back departed Brighton & Hove Albion to link up with the Blues in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea ultimately outmaneuvered Manchester City to secure his services, agreeing to a significant transfer fee of £55 million (€65m/$67m), along with a potential £7 million in performance-related clauses.
Manchester City had also pursued Cucurella during the 2022 summer transfer window but found Brighton’s £50 million valuation of the player excessive.
The Citizens submitted an initial offer of £30 million, which was declined, and subsequently tabled an enhanced bid of £40 million, which Brighton similarly spurned.
Barcelona also emerged as a prospective suitor for the Spain international defender, and he expressed willingness to rejoin the Catalan outfit. Nevertheless, that particular transfer did not materialize as Brighton firmly adhered to their asking price.
This development opened a window for Chelsea to commence discussions, and the West London club readily accepted Brighton’s financial demands.
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Concurrently with these negotiations, Brighton was keen to secure the young defender Levi Colwill, who eventually transferred to the Seagulls on a temporary loan arrangement for the duration of the season.
In an interview with Informe, Cucurella conveyed his profound satisfaction at the prospect of playing under Pep Guardiola upon learning of Manchester City’s interest.
He recounted, “Manchester City sought to acquire me before I signed with Chelsea. They were in exceptional form, recognized as one of the premier teams globally.
I was keen to join. When an opportunity like that arises, and Guardiola extends an invitation, you would do whatever it takes. Nevertheless, the clubs could not finalize an agreement.”
Cucurella played a pivotal role in effectively containing his compatriot and Barcelona’s star attacker, Lamine Yamal, along the left flank.
This occurred during Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 victory over the reigning Spanish champions in the Champions League last month, a match where Estevao also distinguished himself with a goal.
Reports from the Daily Mail further suggest that Cucurella employed Estevao in Chelsea’s training sessions, executing several crucial challenges as he prepared for his direct confrontation with Yamal.
The left-back subsequently affirmed this, clarifying: “It’s not a personal duel between Yamal and Cucurella; instead, it’s a team effort – Chelsea versus Barcelona.”
When questioned about his specific training regimen to counter Yamal, Cucurella further commented: “I advised Estevao to wear shin pads this week because I intended to practice extensively against him.”
The Spanish defender, a European championship victor, still has three years remaining on his current agreement.
However, at the outset of the 2025-26 season, he disclosed that the West London-based club had commenced negotiations for a renewed agreement, indicating their desire for his continued presence.
The former Brighton player, as reported by BBC Sport, later affirmed that the contract extension had been successfully finalised.
He conveyed considerable satisfaction, attributing it to the faith demonstrated by the club, and expressed his pleasure at remaining with the team. He also voiced optimism for a successful campaign.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to resume action on Wednesday, representing Enzo Maresca’s squad in an away fixture against Leeds United.
