Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a raid on Barcelona to sign highly-rated left-back Marc Cucurella in the summer transfer window
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid are interested in signing teenage defensive prodigy Marc Cucurella from arch rivals Barcelona in the summer. The left-back is also being tailed by Manchester City and Chelsea.
Cucurella is yet another promising talent who has emerged out of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy. Still only 18, he has already broken into the Barcelona B side, and is also a full fledged member of the Spanish under-19 team.
Real Madrid are preparing an offer to lure teenage full-back Marc Cucurella from rivals #Barcelona, according to Don Balon. #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/4XNsZwwmjm
— Football Manics (@footballmanics) April 29, 2017
In all, Cucurella has played 16 competitive games for his club this season, turning in exemplary performances at the back while also chipping in with a goal and four assists. And as he continues to make an impression in Catalunya, the teenager is being primed for big things.
However, it is looking increasingly likely that he will achieve those away from Camp Nou, as his contract with Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the season. The teenager has also rejected a renewal offer, meaning he is set to leave the club in the summer.
When he does, he will not have a shortage of options, as there are several club lining up to sign him when the transfer window reopens in June. Manchester City and Chelsea are two of the biggest clubs that are showing interest in him, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham and Everton linked as well.
But, the soon-to-be free agent could well deal Barcelona a cruel blow as Real Madrid have now emerged as a suitor for him. Los Blancos may share a bitter rivalry with the Catalan club, but president Florentino Perez recognises the fact that the La Masia academy has produced some gems over the years.
Next off the La Masia conveyor belt is Marc Cucurella, the 18 year old left back is a future star, no doubt. pic.twitter.com/HQjK1o4Zxf
— ㅤ (@TopFlightAnalys) April 20, 2017
Thus, as per the report, he is ready to jump at the chance to snatch one of the most exciting young talents at the club currently without spending anything at all. And while he may find it hard to usurp Marcelo on the left side of the Real Madrid defence, he has all the talent to become a long-term solution as the left-back for the club.
In the meantime, Real Madrid plan to send him on loan to a La Liga side – just like they did with Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo and Marcos Llorente – where he can gain some valuable experience playing top flight football.
The likes of City, Chelsea and others could yet have something to say on Real Madrid’s interest in Cucurella, but the lure of being a mainstay for one of the biggest clubs in the world may well be too hard to resist. For now though, the 18-year-old looks set to leave Barcelona for free in the summer.
