Marc Cucurella Denies Barcelona Move Was Ever Close Before Real Madrid Switch

Marc Cucurella has dismissed suggestions that Barcelona came close to signing him before his €55 million move to Real Madrid, insisting that limited calls to his agent never developed into a serious proposal. The Spanish left-back instead joined Madrid earlier this year, with a further €5m available in add-ons, and has since become José Mourinho’s first-choice option on the left side of defence.

Key takeaways

• Real Madrid paid an initial €55m (£47m) for Cucurella, with €5m (£4m) in possible bonuses.
• The former Chelsea defender says Barcelona’s contact amounted only to calls made to his representative.
• Cucurella has moved ahead of Alvaro Carreras in Mourinho’s preferred starting line-up.
• Spain midfielder Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid and is set to link up with Pedri.
• Cucurella joked that he wants Rodri to prosper, but not at Madrid’s expense.

Cucurella rules out serious Barcelona move

Barcelona had been linked with Cucurella while uncertainty surrounded Alejandro Balde’s longer-term position at the club. A return to Catalonia would have carried added significance for the defender, who came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy.

However, Cucurella said the speculation overstated the situation. “No, no, no,” he said when asked whether a Barcelona transfer had been close. “My agent got a few calls, but it went no further. I would not describe that as real interest.”

Madrid moved swiftly to complete the deal and remove any possibility of a Camp Nou return. Cucurella has made an immediate impression in the capital, taking the left-sided role ahead of Carreras as Mourinho shapes his defence for the rest of the campaign.

Rodri decision adds to Clasico storyline

Cucurella also attempted to make the case for Madrid when Rodri considered offers from Spain’s two leading clubs. The pair are international colleagues, but the midfielder ultimately selected Barcelona, where he will form a new central partnership with Pedri.

Asked about their conversations, Cucurella said Rodri had not disclosed much about his decision. “He said something like, ‘We’ll see’,” the Madrid defender recalled. “I’m pleased for him, although I hope he does not enjoy too much success, because that would mean we are not succeeding.”

Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona gives future Clasicos another personal element, with two Spain internationals now on opposing sides of the rivalry. Cucurella, meanwhile, will be expected to continue delivering the form that has established him as a regular in Madrid’s back line after his expensive transfer.