Why Chelsea's World Cup decision could signal the end of Marc Cucurella's Blues career

Cameron Smith

• 12 May 2023 15:35 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea have not allowed young academy star Lewis Hall to join England's U20 World Cup squad and this decision could spell the end of Marc Cucurella's time at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella, 24, joined the Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion for a staggering €65 million last summer, with the Spaniard viewed as versatile cover for both centre-back and left-back.

However, he has failed to justify his ludicrous price tag and could be moved on in the summer.

READ: Chelsea plan drastic change to loan system after new FIFA regulations

In truth, alarm bells should’ve been ringing when Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign the defender because they realised that Brighton would not accept anything less than €35m.

However, Chelsea decided the Spaniard was worth a whopping €65m and splashed the cash on the defender as they looked to repair the holes left by Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

But, Cucurella has failed to impress at left centre-back, left-back or left wing-back. Bar his opening few appearances and a stellar performance against Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella has been erratic and reckless.

READ: Pochettino demands Chelsea to restart contract talks with forgotten star

His decision-making against Real Madrid led to both Ben Chilwell’s red card in the first-leg and Rodrygo’s opening goal in the second-leg, while he hasn’t looked comfortable in any position, despite the versatility he displayed at Brighton.

Atletico Madrid could be a potential destination for Cucurella if Chelsea decide to move him on, with reports suggesting the Blues have offered the Spaniard and forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Diego Simeone's side, in a bid to reduce the asking price for Joao Felix.

Why Lewis Hall could signal the end of Marc Cucurella's Chelsea career

With Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Harvey Vale, Bashir Humphreys and Carney Chukwuemeka all in England's squad for the U20 World Cup, Chelsea certainly aren't scared of letting their young stars represent their country, which makes their refusal to let Hall, 18, join the camp all the more intriging.

Although Hall's favoured position is in central midfield, he has featured most regularly at left-back for the senior side. In fact, his only appearance in his natural position came against Liverpool in January. He started that game, but has not appeared for the first-team since.

However, Ben Chilwell and the aforementioned Cucurella are both currently sidelined through injury, with the Englishman out with a hamstring problem and the former Brighton man suffering a quadricep injury.

This has opened the door for Hall to be given another chance in the senior side. With no other left-back's in the squad, Frank Lampard could turn to the teenager, and given Chelsea's decision to block his involvement in the U20 World Cup, which kicks off on 20 May, it's very likely that Hall is rewarded with a considerable amount of minutes before the end of the season.

The 18-year-old impressed against Manchester City and Newcastle United earlier this campaign, and given Todd Boehly's recent shift in focus on promoting youth and utilising Chelsea's academy, he could be set for a starring role in the future.

With Hall set to be handed the chance to be Chelsea's starting left-back for the remainder of the season, it could spell the end of Cucurella's time at the club.

The young Englishman has performed better than Cucurella during his time on the pitch this campaign and if he can prove his worth once again, then the Spaniard may be deemed surplus to requirements.