The white club has communicated the agreement reached with Chelsea FC for the player's transfer. Cucurella, who arrives to strengthen the left flank, is tied to the Madrid entity for the next six seasons. This move comes just hours before the Spanish national team's World Cup debut.
Although the clubs have not disclosed the exact figure, the fixed transfer fee stands at 55 million euros, with the possibility of adding another five million in bonuses. The long contract duration will allow Real Madrid to amortize the investment and the player's salary with greater flexibility, although the salary cap will only allow the cost to be spread over four years.
Cucurella thus becomes Real Madrid's fifth signing this summer, joining José Mourinho (coach), Dumfries (defender), Konaté (defender), and Bernardo Silva (attacking midfielder). Of these, only Silva's signing is pending official announcement, although the agreement with the player, represented by Jorge Mendes, is closed after his contract with Manchester City expired. The white club paid 15 million to Benfica for Mourinho and 20 million in release clause for Dumfries. Konaté and Silva arrive on free transfers but will receive signing bonuses. Cucurella's arrival could facilitate the departure of Fran García, Ferland Mendy (currently out with a long-term injury), and Álvaro Carreras.
The player and his family's priority was to return to Spain after five seasons in the Premier League. The player's agents explored the market, and Barcelona, Cucurella's formative club, showed interest. However, Real Madrid quickly contacted Chelsea, finalizing an agreement in a matter of hours. This operation is reminiscent of Bernardo Silva's signing, where Real Madrid beat Atlético de Madrid to it. In this instance, Barcelona is the aggrieved party, as they had taken the player's return to the Blaugrana colors for granted.
On coach Mourinho's list of priorities for the left-back position was initially Riccardo Calafiori, but Arsenal demanded 80 million. Another target, Josko Gvardiol, was undecided between staying at Manchester City or renewing. Cucurella's case was resolved quickly after the coach spoke with the player and Real Madrid contacted Chelsea.
