Marc Cucurella prioritises Barcelona return as Chelsea set €40–50m price
Latest transfer update: Marc Cucurella has reportedly told Chelsea he wants to leave, with the club valuing him at €40–50m. Barcelona are his priority but financial and squad constraints could hand Atlético Madrid the advantage.
Marc Cucurella has reportedly told Chelsea he wants to leave the club this summer and is prioritising a return to Barcelona, according to a Mundo Deportivo report cited by World Soccer Talk on June 8, 2026. The 27-year-old left-back is said to be valued by Chelsea at between €40m and €50m, and the transfer race now involves Barcelona and Atlético Madrid — with Barcelona the player’s preferred destination but facing financial and squad constraints that could hand Atlético the edge.
Why it matters
If accurate, Cucurella’s departure would be a significant sell decision for Chelsea: the club would be letting go of a left-back who has been highlighted for both defensive and offensive contribution in the Premier League. For Barcelona, landing a familiar player who left the club in 2020 would bolster left-side options, but the reported need to move Alejandro Balde first creates a financing and selection puzzle. For Atlético Madrid, persistent interest in a player of Cucurella’s profile offers a chance to strengthen defensive stability and attacking support down the left flank.
What the report says
World Soccer Talk relays claims from Ferran Martínez (Mundo Deportivo) that Cucurella has formally communicated to Chelsea his desire to leave this summer. Chelsea have set a valuation in the region of €40–50m. Barcelona are attentive to the idea of bringing Cucurella back — he left the Blaugrana in 2020 — and, according to the report, views him as an ideal profile under Hansi Flick. However, Barcelona’s ability to complete the transfer is said to hinge on selling Alejandro Balde, who would free up both money and squad balance.
Barcelona’s financial and squad limitations
The report makes clear Barcelona do not regard Cucurella as an outright priority: the club are focused on attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2026–27 season and are reportedly targeting a centre forward — with Julián Álvarez named as a target in the same coverage. Barcelona’s recent activity mentioned in the report includes signing Anthony Gordon and being linked with João Cancelo, so Cucurella’s arrival would be treated as an opportunity rather than a must-have unless a sale is made to create space.
Crucially, the report says Barcelona would listen to offers for Alejandro Balde to fund a return for Cucurella. It also notes Balde is not currently willing to leave the club, which would complicate any swap or funding plan. Mundo Deportivo’s take, as cited, suggests that if Barcelona can’t resolve Balde’s future — or secure other sales such as Jules Koundé — Cucurella might instead consider Atlético Madrid.
Atlético Madrid as a ready alternative
According to the same report, Atlético Madrid have shown strong interest and could present Cucurella with the promise of becoming an undisputed starter. Atlético’s motivation is described as improving defensive consistency and adding offensive output from the left side — traits the report attributes to Cucurella’s game. If Barcelona cannot clear the necessary space to sign him, the player may be persuaded to join Atlético rather than wait.
Key points
- Report (Mundo Deportivo via World Soccer Talk): Cucurella has told Chelsea he wants to leave.
- Chelsea valuation cited at approximately €40–50m.
- Cucurella prioritises a return to Barcelona but a move depends on sales, notably Alejandro Balde.
- Balde is reported as unwilling to leave Barcelona, complicating any deal.
- Atlético Madrid remain interested and could be an immediate alternative.
- Barcelona are reportedly prioritising attacking reinforcements (centre forward) and have signed Anthony Gordon, per the report.
What happens next
Per the report, the transfer picture will turn on several interlinked moves: whether Barcelona can generate funds by selling Alejandro Balde or others, whether Chelsea will accept offers within the €40–50m bracket, and whether Atlético can present Cucurella with a convincing immediate plan. None of these points are confirmed by clubs in the supplied source, so the next steps to watch are official statements from Chelsea, Barcelona or Atlético, potential formal offers and any movement around Alejandro Balde’s situation.
Until the involved clubs or the player comment publicly or bids are lodged, this remains a transfer story based on reports and should be treated as such.
Frequently asked questions
Has Marc Cucurella told Chelsea he wants to leave?
According to a Mundo Deportivo report relayed by World Soccer Talk, Cucurella has formally communicated his desire to leave Chelsea this summer.
How much is Chelsea valuing Marc Cucurella?
The report states Chelsea value Cucurella at around €40–50m.
Is Barcelona the leading candidate to sign Cucurella?
The report says Barcelona are the player’s preferred destination but would likely need to sell Alejandro Balde or others to fund the move, which complicates their position.
Could Atlético Madrid sign Cucurella instead?
Yes — the report indicates Atlético Madrid are interested and could present Cucurella with a starting role if Barcelona cannot resolve the necessary sales.