Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella once the FIFA World Cup concludes, with a permanent deal understood to have been struck between all parties.

The 27-year-old is currently on international duty with Spain at the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the precise contract length and transfer fee have yet to be formally confirmed, sources indicate the final figure will exceed the £43 million figure currently circulating.

Madrid's busy summer plans

Cucurella's move forms part of a wider recruitment drive at the Bernabéu under recently re-elected president Florentino Perez, who has also appointed Jose Mourinho as the club's manager. Real Madrid are reported to be pursuing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, while France centre-back Ibrahima Konate is set to arrive after departing Liverpool.

Cucurella's turbulent time at Chelsea

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer of 2022 for £63 million and had long harboured a desire to return to Spain, having developed through Barcelona's academy. He had attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona before Real Madrid's approach materialised.

The Catalan defender publicly criticised Chelsea's leadership during the March international break, voicing frustration at manager Enzo Maresca's mid-season departure. He was among a group of Spanish-speaking players at the club who struggled to adapt under Maresca's replacement, Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior was eventually dismissed, and Chelsea ended a disappointing campaign in 10th place, failing to secure European football. Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane could not reverse the club's fortunes before the season's end.

Chelsea have since moved decisively in the dugout, appointing Xabi Alonso — the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen head coach — as their permanent manager ahead of the 2026-27 season.