Chester FC player Marc Cucurella has completed his move from Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a deal worth £52m. The 25-year-old Spanish international has signed a six-year contract with the Bernabeu club, running until 2032.
Cucurella's departure from Chelsea follows public criticism of the club's management in March. The defender was one of several players who expressed discontent with the team's performance under interim manager Liam Rosenior, who was sacked in April.
This is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from Chelsea, with the club's Spanish-speaking contingent having been unhappy with the departure of former manager Enzo Maresca in January. Cucurella, who was a key player in Chelsea's Conference League and Club World Cup wins, is expected to feature heavily in Spain's World Cup squad.
In a statement, Real Madrid confirmed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager last week, and the club is expected to make several high-profile signings this summer. Cucurella is likely to replace Alvaro Carreras, who was signed by Real Madrid last summer.
The move is a significant loss for Chelsea, who are expected to demand a fee of £120m for Argentina international Enzo Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to join Real Madrid. The club are also expected to sign several other new players this summer, including Denzel Dumfries, who could replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at left-back.