Marc Cucurella has revealed his deep frustration over a failed move to Manchester City in 2022, admitting he was desperate to join Pep Guardiola at the Etihad before Brighton rejected City’s bid. Speaking on Informe Plus for Movistar — with his comments relayed by El Desmarque — the Chelsea full-back opened up on one of the defining moments of his career, describing just how close he believed he was to becoming a City player.
City pushed to sign Cucurella after his outstanding debut season at Brighton, where he made 38 appearances and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic left-backs. Guardiola personally phoned the Spaniard to convince him, telling him he wanted him as part of his squad for the title defence. For Cucurella, a former Barcelona youth product, the lure of Pep and the opportunity to play Champions League football under one of his biggest footballing idols was irresistible.
But despite his desire — and Guardiola’s approval — the transfer never happened.
“You’d Go on Your Knees If Guardiola Asks”
Cucurella did not hide how strongly he felt about the proposed move.
“They were on fire and were one of the best teams in the world. I absolutely wanted to go,” he said. “When they come like they did, and when Guardiola asks you to, you’ll go on your knees, if necessary.”
His honesty strips away any remaining mystery about his motivations in the summer of 2022. Cucurella believed the move would elevate his career to the elite level, and he was ready to push for the transfer — but was ultimately powerless as talks collapsed above him.
Brighton’s Stand Firm Stance: “Exorbitant Demands”
In Cucurella’s view, the breakdown of negotiations was down to Brighton’s valuation.
“But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement. Brighton had exorbitant demands, and it just wasn’t possible.”
Brighton were firm then — as they often are — insisting City meet their full valuation. When the Premier League champions refused to match the asking price, the deal fell apart. Chelsea, however, stepped in quickly and struck an agreement later that summer, sealing his move in August 2022.
City instead turned to Sergio Gómez from Anderlecht — a signing that never fully convinced. Gómez was later sold to Real Sociedad in 2024. In hindsight, Cucurella’s comments reveal that City had not just admired him — they had prioritised him.
Finding His Level at Chelsea and for Spain
Three years on, Cucurella has rebuilt his career impressively at Chelsea and become an established member of the Spain national team. After an uneven first campaign at Stamford Bridge, he has grown into a reliable, intelligent full-back who thrives in both possession and high-pressure defensive systems.
At Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca’s positional-play structure, Cucurella has been consistently praised for his tactical discipline, ball progression and defensive balance — qualities that Guardiola originally identified.
Ironically, the player City wanted has since become one of Chelsea’s most dependable performers.
Cucurella’s Honesty Reveals a Sliding Doors Moment
Having followed Cucurella’s journey since his Brighton breakout, this admission carries weight because it underlines how pivotal 2022 was for his career trajectory. Players rarely speak so openly about failed moves, especially when they involve elite clubs. Cucurella’s words reflect not regret, but realism — the understanding that football careers hinge on timing and negotiation as much as talent.
From my experience covering high-level transfers, Brighton’s refusal fits their model: they only sell at their valuation. In this case, their firmness changed the direction of two careers — Cucurella’s and Gómez’s — and shaped Chelsea’s left-back picture for years to come.
What’s most interesting now is how fully Cucurella has embraced his identity at Chelsea. The disappointment of 2022 has not impacted his performance or commitment. Instead, it seems to have become part of his professional story — a moment that could have been different, but one that ultimately led to growth and stability.
Key Insights
- Cucurella says he “absolutely wanted” to join Manchester City in 2022.
- Guardiola personally convinced him, but Brighton blocked the move.
- Chelsea later finalised a deal, and Cucurella has become a key player.
- Player blames Brighton’s “exorbitant” demands for the collapsed transfer.
- City instead signed — and later sold — Sergio Gómez.
What’s Next?
Cucurella remains a crucial part of Chelsea’s defensive structure and Spain’s setup. His career path may not have followed the route he expected — but his present form shows he is exactly where he needs to be.
👉 Do you think Cucurella would have thrived even more under Guardiola, or has Chelsea ultimately proven the better home for him?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *