Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella would be open to a summer move back to Barcelona, according to Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.
The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Barca’s famed La Masia academy but only made one first-team appearance, against Real Murcia in the Copa del Rey and, following a series of loan spells, eventually joined Getafe in 2020.
A successful 12-month spell at Brighton ended with a £56million move to Chelsea in August 2022 and he has since gone on to become first choice at Stamford Bridge and with the Spanish national team, with whom he played a key role in their 2024 European Championship success.
Speaking prior to Spain’s friendly with Egypt last month, Cucurella said: “It would be difficult to reject [Barça]. And not just for me. I would have to think about my family as well. If [an offer] comes, it comes, and we will have to see what decision we would make.”
Barca are looking to strengthen in the left-back position and with Chelsea potentially having to balance the books this summer should they not secure Champions League qualification, a deal looks a possibility.
Cucurella frustrated by Chelsea struggles
Cucurella has two years left on his contract but has previously said he was concerned by the club’s transfer model that targets younger players while it is known he was close to Enzo Maresca, who was sacked on New Year’s Day.
Maresca was replaced by Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed himself following last week’s dismal 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
Speaking in an interview with the Athletic in March, Cucurella said: “The moment Maresca left, it had a big impact on us. These are decisions taken by the club. If you asked me, I would not have made this decision.
“To make a change like that, the best thing is to wait until the end of the season. You would give everyone, the players and the new manager, time to get ready, have a full pre-season.
“The instability around the club comes from this, in a nutshell. “
El Mundo claim Chelsea’s asking price for Cucurella would be €50million (£43.4m) which may be too steep. The La Liga leaders also have a purchase option available on Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Camp Nou from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
