Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has given an interview to Camel Live, speaking about his failed transfer to Manchester City during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion.
In 2022, Manchester City were interested in bringing Cucurella from Brighton to the Etihad Stadium. The current Chelsea star arrived in England for the first time in 2021 after moving to Brighton from Getafe. In his debut season with the Seagulls, he made 38 appearances, and his impressive performances caught City’s attention.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola invited the former Barcelona player to join the club. The Spanish international stated that he was determined to move to the Etihad at the time. However, the transfer did not materialize as City failed to reach an agreement with Brighton. On the other hand, Chelsea successfully struck a deal in the same summer transfer window and signed the full-back in August 2022.
Speaking about the situation, Cucurella said: “Man City were in great form back then, one of the best teams in the world. I really wanted to go. When they make an offer like that, and Pep Guardiola personally invites you, you would even kneel if necessary.”
“But the two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement. Brighton’s asking price was too high, making the transfer simply impossible.”
Ultimately, Manchester City signed Sergio Gómez from Anderlecht in August 2022. Gómez was then sold to Real Sociedad in July 2024. Meanwhile, Cucurella has established himself as a true star at Chelsea and the Spanish national team, helping the club win the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup last season, as well as aiding Spain in claiming the European Championship last year.
