In a blow to Manchester City, Marc Cucurella has completed his big-money move from Brighton to Chelsea.
The Citizens were interested in signing the Spanish defender, but the Blues outbid their Premier League opponents with a bid worth up to £62 million.
Cucurella remarked after signing his six-year contract, “I’m incredibly thrilled.” It’s a huge opportunity for me to join one of the top teams in the world, and I’m going to put in a lot of effort to be happy here and contribute to the squad.”
Todd Boehly, the new chairman of Chelsea, was overjoyed to get the deal done and believes the former Seagulls player will make an immediate impact.
“Marc is an excellent defender of proven Premier League level, and he boosts our group moving into the new season,” he continued.
“We continue to work on and off the field, and we’re thrilled Marc will be a part of Chelsea’s present and future.”
Cucurella, 24, had been a standout on the South Coast since joining from Getafe a year ago, winning Player of the Season in his debut season.
He will now battle with Ben Chilwell for a spot on Chelsea’s left wing, with Marcos Alonso rumored to be leaving for Barcelona.
Chilwell, 25, returned to action at the conclusion of last season following ACL surgery, but Tuchel thinks the England international will need time to regain his form.
The Blues manager stated of Cucurella and Chilwell, “Marc’s young, hungry, mobile, and a very intelligent player.”
“It adds depth and richness, and it relieves Ben of the strain of ‘I have to perform,’ and we need you right now.”
“Ben is getting better and better, but he needs a bit more time to adjust to the rhythm and physicality of the match, which is completely normal.”
“It’s not just about training and drills and small pitches; it’s also a very, very difficult league.”
“And we have to look after him; it’s our obligation, so we can’t just toss him in and see what happens.”
“He is impatient, and we will never expect him to be completely patient, but he understands that everything takes time.”
“He’ll have his chance, and we’ll want to get him on the pitch as soon as possible because he’s a great asset for us on the left side with his speed and intensity repeatedly.”
When introducing Cucurella, who has one Spain cap, the Blues showed off their new away kit, which has yet to be formally disclosed.
And the newcomer may even get to show off his skills for Chelsea in their season opener against Everton tomorrow.
Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined the West Londoners earlier this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, are poised to start at Goodison Park.
Rudiger joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, and Christensen joined Barcelona after his contract expired, while flop record signing Romelu Lukaku has been loaned back to Inter Milan.
Carney Chukwuemeka, an England youth prodigy, also arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier this week after lobbying for a move away from Aston Villa.
To the joy of Seagulls manager Graham Potter, Chelsea whizkid Levi Colwill, 19, has joined Brighton on a season-long loan as a sweetener in the Cucurella deal.
“Levi has huge potential and has already demonstrated his ability in the Championship and with England at various age group levels up to the Under-21s,” he stated.
“I’m looking forward to working with him on the training field and in games during the season.”
“He typically plays center back, but he’s also played full back on the left.” He is a player who is at ease with the ball.”
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