According to a report by footballTransfers on Sunday June 21, 2026. Chelsea captain Reece James has expressed his disappointment over the club’s decision to sell Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for €55 million this summer.
Cucurella, 27, had voiced his dissatisfaction with Chelsea’s direction late last season, prompting the club to allow the transfer due to the rapid rise of Jorrel Hato.
Real Madrid beat out Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to secure Cucurella’s signature, finalizing the deal last week as they back new manager Jose Mourinho in the transfer market.
Los Blancos have already signed Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva this summer, and Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan is set to join after the World Cup, following an agreement with the Italian club.
Cucurella was a key player for Chelsea over his four-year spell, making 163 appearances. However, at nearly 28 years old by the start of the 2026-27 season, the club decided to sell after receiving a tempting offer from Madrid.
There’s speculation that Enzo Fernandez might follow Cucurella to Madrid before the transfer window closes on September 1, as Chelsea prepares for a significant squad overhaul after finishing tenth last season.
Ahead of England’s second World Cup group match against Ghana, James spoke about Cucurella’s move, saying: “I spoke with him a few days ago.
He’s an incredible player, one of the best left-backs in the world. Players move all the time, and I’m devastated to see him go, but I wish him all the best.”
James also confirmed he has spoken with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso ahead of his arrival on July 1. “We’ve had a couple of conversations on the phone.
I haven’t met him in person yet,” he told talkSPORT. “Everyone I’ve spoken to praises him as an outstanding manager. I know him as a player his career was incredible. I’m excited to work under him.”
James is expected to start at right-back for England against Ghana but could also feature in midfield, having shifted into the center during the recent match against Croatia in the World Cup.