Official: Cucurella completes Chelsea transfer
FT Desk
- Updated: 5 Aug 2022 15:41 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have confirmed that a deal has been reached with Brighton for the signing of Marc Cucurella in a move that will see Blues defender Levi Colwill head the other way on loan.
Cucurella has penned a six-year-deal at Stamford Bridge for a fee reported to be worth an initial £55 million with an additional £7m in add-ons, while Colwill has joined Brighton on loan for the season.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: ‘Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season. We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.’
On signing for Chelsea, Cucurella said: ‘I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.’
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Cucurella, 24, was wanted by both the Blues and Manchester City after enjoying a fine season at the Amex Stadium, while Barcelona were also thought to have considered a late move for the wing-back, but no other side could match Brighton's asking price.
The move was also previously incorrectly reported as close to completion, prompting Brighton to release a statement quashing the speculation.
However, the hold-up was thought to be over the Colwill transfer, with Brighton initially pushing for a permanent deal, but Chelsea were not keen on losing their young defender despite the potential presence of buy-back clause in his contract.
CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.
Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella.— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2022
The delay was resolved after Chelsea agreed to pay a higher fee than the £52.5m previously agreed and both deals were completed swiftly in order to have the players available for the opening fixtures for their respective clubs.
Cucurella is Chelsea's fifth signing of the summer, after Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka, taking their total spending to more than £170m, more than any other team this window.
