Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has said that the club’s decision to sign defender Marc Cucurella in the summer of 2022 was driven in part by interest shown in the player by Manchester City.
Cucurella, a Spanish left-back, joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the 2022-23 season. At the time, he was regarded as one of the most highly rated full-backs in the Premier League after an impressive debut campaign with Brighton. His performances reportedly attracted strong attention from Manchester City, who were looking to strengthen their options on the left side of defence.
Boehly has now indicated that City’s pursuit of the player influenced Chelsea’s approach. The club moved decisively to complete a deal with Brighton, bringing Cucurella to Stamford Bridge as part of a broader recruitment drive under the new ownership group that took over in 2022.
The transfer came during a period of significant change at Chelsea, both on and off the pitch. Following the takeover, the club invested heavily in several players across multiple positions in an effort to reshape the squad for the future. Cucurella’s arrival added competition at left-back and left wing-back, providing depth and versatility in defensive and wide areas.
Cucurella was already familiar with English football and the Premier League’s demands, having joined Brighton from Getafe in 2021. His adaptability, energy and comfort on the ball were seen as key attributes for a Chelsea side aiming to play a proactive style.
While Boehly’s latest comments highlight the impact of Manchester City’s interest on Chelsea’s thinking, they also reflect the broader context of intense competition among leading clubs for emerging and established talent. Top Premier League teams frequently monitor the same targets, and the possibility of a rival strengthening a particular position can accelerate transfer decisions.
Cucurella’s move to Chelsea remains one of the more notable transfers of that 2022 window, illustrating how off-field dynamics and rival clubs’ intentions can shape market activity, particularly when multiple contenders are vying for players who have quickly made their mark in the league.
