Marc Cucurella transfer news is back in the spotlight after the Chelsea defender revealed he was shocked that Premier League teammates aspired to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona instead of English giants like Chelsea or Arsenal. Speaking to AS, the Spain international reflected on his early days at Brighton and the dominance of La Liga’s biggest clubs in players’ ambitions.
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea in 2022 after one season at Brighton, struggled initially at Stamford Bridge before rediscovering form last year. His resurgence helped him regain his Spain place, where he starred in their Euro 2024 triumph.
The 27-year-old has now established himself as a guaranteed starter under Enzo Maresca, but his comments reveal the enduring pull of Real Madrid and Barcelona despite the Premier League’s financial muscle. Can English clubs ever match the romantic appeal of Spain’s two giants?
Why Cucurella Was Surprised
The defender explained that when he first arrived in England, he expected local players to dream of representing top Premier League sides. Instead, many teammates at Brighton spoke about La Liga’s biggest names.
“When I arrived in England, at my first team there, which was Brighton, I was surprised that English players were aiming to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, not Arsenal or Chelsea.” — Marc Cucurella, via AS
For Cucurella, the global fanbases and historic reputation of Madrid and Barça continue to outweigh financial incentives offered in England.
Premier League Power vs La Liga History
Cucurella also highlighted the disparity between English clubs’ spending and Spain’s decline.
He pointed to Sunderland’s €200m spend after promotion and Crystal Palace signing La Liga stars Yeremy Pino and Uche as evidence of England’s financial strength. But despite that, Real Madrid and Barcelona remain aspirational destinations:
“Real Madrid and Barca may not have the financial means of Premier League teams and can’t afford to pay such high contracts, but their history and reputation allow them to sign many good players.”
Marc Cucurella 2025/26 Stats Snapshot
| Stat (2025/26) | Marc Cucurella |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances Created | 5 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
The numbers show Cucurella’s strong start to the new campaign. He remains a vital cog in Chelsea’s system, providing width and creativity from left-back.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Cucurella’s comments reflect a wider truth: money alone cannot match the romanticism of Real Madrid and Barcelona. For decades, both clubs have been the pinnacle for players worldwide. Premier League clubs may dominate spending, but they are still fighting against history and prestige.
For Chelsea, Cucurella’s resurgence offers stability at left-back in a season where Enzo Maresca is reshaping the squad. His consistent minutes and international pedigree make him one of the more reliable pieces in a volatile Blues squad.
Key Insights
- Cucurella shocked Brighton teammates dreamed of Real Madrid/Barcelona.
- Chelsea left-back believes La Liga giants retain unique appeal.
- Points to Sunderland’s €200m spend as proof of Premier League wealth.
- Says Premier League “every game is a battle” due to financial parity.
- Cucurella has 1 assist in 3 games for Chelsea this season.
What’s Next for Cucurella and Chelsea?
For Cucurella, the focus is on cementing his role as first-choice left-back under Maresca. His attacking thrust and defensive reliability will be crucial as Chelsea chase Champions League qualification.
As for the wider debate, the pull of Madrid and Barça will not disappear. English clubs can spend bigger and deeper, but their fight for prestige remains ongoing. Cucurella’s experience is a reminder that reputation — not revenue — still shapes players’ dreams.
Can Chelsea and Arsenal ever rival Real Madrid and Barcelona for prestige — or will Spain’s giants always hold the upper hand?
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