7M - Marc Cucurella Awaits Barcelona Call While Preparing for the World Cup With Spain

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has informed the club of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with a return to his boyhood club Barcelona established as his absolute priority. The 27-year-old defender feels his chapter in London has naturally concluded and intends to secure a fresh challenge immediately following his campaign with the Spain national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While Cucurella is highly regarded by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick—who heavily values his tactical versatility, defensive work rate, and extensive top-flight experience—a romantic return to the Nou Camp remains logistically complicated. The Catalan giants are managing multiple alternative priorities in the market, meaning any formal approach for the Spanish international hinges directly on Alejandro Balde vacating the starting left-back role first.

Despite the operational hurdles, Cucurella is reportedly prepared to stall other negotiations to give Barcelona ample time to structure a deal. Should a move back home fall through, the full-back will not be short of elite alternatives, with heavyweights Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid all actively monitoring his situation.

Among the domestic suitors, Atletico Madrid have shown the most concrete interest and are ready to pounce if Barcelona fails to act. For now, Cucurella remains strictly insulated from the mounting transfer speculation, keeping his immediate focus entirely locked on Spain’s World Cup fixtures before finalizing any decisions regarding his domestic future.