Barcelona weigh Marc Cucurella move as Joao Cancelo deal stalls — but need a defensive exit

Barcelona are reportedly exploring a return for Marc Cucurella from Chelsea after Joao Cancelo's potential permanent signing has been slowed by delayed negotiations with Al Hilal. The Athletic-linked coverage, cited by World Soccer Talk, says Cucurella is pushing to leave Chelsea in the summer of 2026 and that Barcelona view him as a viable left-back option — but a defensive departure at the Camp Nou would be required first.

Why it matters

If Barcelona are serious about re-signing Cucurella, they would need to free up space in the squad and balance the books by moving an existing defender. That constraint shapes their wider transfer thinking: prioritising a left-back addition is dependent on an outgoing sale, while the club reportedly also has major attacking targets that could take precedence.

What the report says

According to the report summarised by World Soccer Talk and attributed to Pol Ballús, Mario Cortegana and Simon Johnson via The Athletic, Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea in summer 2026 and Chelsea would consider offers for the 27-year-old for the right fee. Barcelona have contacted Cucurella as they seek a left-back alternative while negotiations for Joao Cancelo’s permanent move from Al Hilal are taking longer than expected.

Who could leave to make room?

The Athletic coverage, as relayed in the source, identifies Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde as two defenders who could be moved to create the necessary space. Koundé is described as having had a below-par season by the report and retains market appeal in the Premier League; Liverpool are mentioned as a possible interested party. Balde, meanwhile, is said to have lost his starting spot to Cancelo and become a rotation player under Hansi Flick, with Barcelona reportedly open to offers — his contract situation and any extension talks were said to be unresolved.

Bigger transfer priorities at Barcelona

The report also states Barcelona may prioritise signing a world-class centre forward over defensive reinforcements. With Gerard Martí́n emerging and Ronald Araújo reportedly reluctant to leave, the club could focus their resources on a striker. Julián Álvarez and João Pedro are named as top striking targets in the summary, with either option said to likely exceed €100m — which could influence Barcelona’s sequencing of signings this summer.

• Joao Cancelo: short-term loan proved influential; permanent move from Al Hilal reportedly delayed.
• Marc Cucurella: Chelsea player pushing to leave in summer 2026; Barcelona have made contact according to the report.
• Barcelona need a defensive exit to make room for Cucurella — potential departures mentioned are Jules Koundé or Alejandro Balde.
• Club priorities may favour signing a world-class striker (Julián Álvarez or João Pedro) before reinforcing full-back positions.

Context and implications

If Barcelona do pursue Cucurella, the move would interact with several squad-management issues: who occupies the left-back role, how much transfer budget is available after any major attacking signing, and whether Chelsea will accept terms. The report frames Cucurella as a practical option given current uncertainty around Cancelo’s permanent deal — but it stresses Barcelona’s hands may be tied until they shift existing assets.

What happens next

According to the source material, the situation hinges on a few moving parts: the progress of negotiations between Barcelona and Al Hilal over Joao Cancelo, Chelsea’s willingness to sell Cucurella and which Barcelona defender (if any) is made available. The Athletic-sourced report suggests Barcelona could prioritise a striker first, meaning any Cucurella pursuit might depend on subsequent squad departures or leftover funds.