Michel Salgado backs Marc Cucurella's Real Madrid move as smart signing

Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado praised Marc Cucurella’s recent transfer from Chelsea to the Spanish giants, calling the left‑back’s arrival a “good move” and labeling him one of the hottest left backs in the world. He highlighted Cucurella’s experience in the Premier League and the Champions League as key assets for Madrid.

Salgado said Real Madrid have secured one of the best left‑backs available and expects the addition to strengthen the squad significantly. He noted that debate over the fee and announcement timing has not altered his positive view of the operation.

“​He already has experience at Chelsea at the highest level, in the Champions League and in all the major competitions,” Salgado told Mundo Deportivo. The former defender emphasized that such experience in top European competitions is valuable for Madrid.

“​He’s Spanish, and I think it’s also important, in a way, for Real Madrid to once again have a slightly more Spanish core,” Salgado explained. He added that a stronger Spanish presence can foster locker‑room cohesion for a club representing the nation.

Salgado dismissed concerns that the announcement, made just before Spain’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup, could distract the team. He argued that signing with Madrid is likely to boost the player’s confidence rather than create pressure.

When asked which Spaniards he would recruit, Salgado replied, “​I’d sign a lot of them.” He listed Fabian, Pedri, Nico and Lamine as examples of talent he would bring to the Santiago Bernabeu.