Real Madrid snatches Marc Cucurella from Atletico Madrid after near deal

Marc Cucurella is now a Real Madrid player after the club intervened in the summer transfer race. Atletico Madrid were reported to be very close to signing the Spanish defender, but Real Madrid’s late move secured him from Chelsea and will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2032. Journalist Matteo Moretto wrote in that Atletico Madrid had already reached an agreement with Cucurella and were approaching the final stages of the deal. The Spanish club believed the signing was imminent before Real Madrid entered the picture. Moretto quoted the agreement as being done, adding, “The agreement was done. It just needed to be signed.” He explained that the paperwork was the only remaining step.

Real Madrid target Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández despite €140m price

Real Madrid accelerated its interest, causing the dynamics to shift rapidly. The swift intervention turned the operation into one of the summer’s most significant transfer hijacks. Barcelona also monitored Cucurella’s situation but never progressed beyond theoretical discussions. Financial constraints and the condition of Alejandro Balde’s departure prevented Barcelona from advancing negotiations.

Real Madrid consider offloading Garcia and Mendy after Cucurella signing

Real Madrid’s willingness to meet Chelsea’s demands allowed them to complete the transfer. The contract will keep Cucurella at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2032. Photos accompanying the story were provided by Florencia Tan Jun and Mattia Ozbot. Their images capture the defender’s arrival at the Spanish capital.