UEFA Champions League
Atlético de Madrid has set its sights on Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella for the 2026 summer transfer market. The club is looking to strengthen the defense following the imminent departure of Javi Galán and Matteo Ruggeri's below-par performance.
While the player is in a contract situation that favors negotiation later on, Atlético is moving strategically to secure a top-level profile.
Atlético de Madrid's Strategy for the Left-Back Position
Atlético de Madrid believes that Marc Cucurella fits into the club's defensive plan for the upcoming years. The Chelsea player's contract expires in 2028, positioning the English club in a strong negotiating position, but Atlético's intention is to wait until summer 2026 to make their move.
The estimated proposal would be around 40 million euros, a figure that Atlético de Madrid considers viable to finalize the deal and solidify the left defensive area. Within the Atlético team, there is consensus that the Spanish full-back, with significant experience in the Premier League, will bring expertise and solidity to both defensive and offensive aspects.
Marc Cucurella's Profile and Context at Chelsea
Marc Cucurella, 27 years old, joined Chelsea after significant investments and individual victories such as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the confederative Champions League with the English club. This trajectory enhances his market value. His contract with Chelsea until summer 2028 provides stability to the London club, while his potential return to Spanish football is of great interest to Atlético de Madrid.
At Stamford Bridge, Cucurella has demonstrated adaptability in varied systems, which pleases the Atlético coaching staff. Atlético de Madrid will need to negotiate with Chelsea and persuade the player that his optimal time to move to Madrid begins in 2026, with the advantage that his value could be more affordable in two seasons.
Tactical Adjustments and Relevance to the Project
Atlético de Madrid has a clear need at left-back: Javi Galán's contract is ending, and he will leave on a free transfer, while Matteo Ruggeri has not performed up to expectations. In this context, Marc Cucurella emerges as a top-level alternative, combining Premier League experience with technical qualities that please the coach and the club.
His attacking profile, ability to support the offense, and defensive strength make him the ideal piece for Atlético de Madrid's future plans. The club foresees that the operation will be designed with time, integrating smoothly into the 2026–27 project.
Atlético de Madrid understands that this operation will be crucial to consolidate the defense and launch a new competitive era. Marc Cucurella represents that qualitative leap that the squad needs.
With an expected offer around 40 million euros, and by taking advantage of time to mature the negotiation, Atlético de Madrid positions itself as a serious candidate to secure one of the most sought-after full-backs in the market. The 2026 season could mark the beginning of a new era on the left side in Madrid.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Atlético de Madrid prepara ofensiva por Marc Cucurella
