Chelsea star refuses to rule out Premier League exit as player unrest grows within London club

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:19:52 +0000

Marc Cucurella has acknowledged turning down an approach from Barcelona would prove extremely challenging, becoming the latest Chelsea player to hint at a potential departure from Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish left-back made the admission while speaking to reporters ahead of his country's friendly fixture against Egypt at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.

When pressed on whether he could reject his boyhood club, Cucurella said: "It would be difficult to refuse. It's not just about me. I'd have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we'll see what decision is made."

The 27-year-old added: "You always think about going back. I'm very happy there [in England], and so is my family. I'll leave it for a few years from now."

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Cucurella's comments arrive during a particularly unsettled period at Chelsea, where the club has experienced significant upheaval throughout the campaign.

The Blues parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca earlier in the season.

Liam Rosenior was tasked with stepping in as his replacement amid inconsistent performances.

Their European ambitions suffered a crushing blow when Paris Saint-Germain eliminated them from the Champions League at the last-16 stage, inflicting a 5-2 defeat in France before completing the job with a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Domestically, Chelsea currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League with 48 points.

They continue to battle to secure European qualification for next season.

The turbulence has clearly affected the dressing room, with several senior players now openly discussing their futures away from West London.

Cucurella is not the only Chelsea midfielder whose commitment has come into question during the international break.

LATEST SPORT NEWS

Bosnian media accuses Italy of using camouflaged soldier to film World Cup play-off training session

Inside Ozil's private life including 'best man' Erdogan and estranged relationship with father

Cardiff City lose £104million compensation case over Emiliano Sala death

Enzo Fernandez has repeatedly suggested he may not remain at the club beyond this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in securing his signature.

Asked whether he would still be wearing a Chelsea shirt next season, the Argentine told ESPN Argentina: "I don't know. Right now I'm focused on here, then there's the World Cup, and we'll see."

The 25-year-old further fuelled speculation by declaring on YouTube channel Avirales: "I'd like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires. Players live where they want. I'd live in Madrid. I get by [speaking] English, but I'd be more comfortable in Spanish."

Fernandez also criticised the club's hierarchy for dismissing Maresca, claiming the Italian's departure had hurt the squad.

Reports have also emerged suggesting Cole Palmer is growing increasingly frustrated with life at Chelsea and would be open to a move to Manchester United.

The playmaker is understood to be unhappy with tactical changes that have limited his space on the pitch, and he misses playing alongside striker Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on a season-long loan at Bayern Munich.

Cucurella himself spent eight years at Barcelona after joining the renowned La Masia academy in 2012, though he never made a senior appearance for the first team beyond a brief cameo in the Copa del Rey.

The defender reportedly agreed to improved contract terms with Chelsea earlier this season, though his deal was not extended and remains set to expire in 2028.