Chelsea sign Cucurella from Brighton for £63m

Chelsea have signed Marc Cucurella from Brighton and Hove Albion, it was announced on Friday.

Cucurella joins Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £56m with a possible £7m in add-ons.

Cucurella, 24, was wanted by Manchester City and Cucurella handed in a transfer request but the two clubs couldn’t strike a deal, with Brighton standing firm on a £50m valuation for the left-back. The deal stalled, as sources told ESPN that City weren’t willing to pay the asking price for the transfer, allowing Chelsea to battle for his signature.

The versatile defender arrives just weeks after his 24th birthday following an impressive debut season in the Premier League with the Seagulls, during which time he made 38 appearances in all competitions and scored his only goal in their penultimate home game against Manchester United.

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Such was the positive and swift nature of his adaptation to English football, playing in a variety of roles on the left-hand side including full-back, wing-back and centre-back, Cucurella was voted Player of the Season by both Brighton supporters and team-mates.

On signing for Chelsea, Cucurella said: “I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.”

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: “Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season. We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.”

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Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano , co-controlling owners, said: “We’re very excited to bring Marc to Chelsea and he is another key part of our squad building as we enter the new season. We’re all looking forward to getting started on the pitch now, and Marc only adds to that feeling. We welcome him to the club!”