Chelsea reject Al-Nassr’s offer for Cucurella despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s request
Chelsea has officially turned down an offer from Al-Nassr for Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella, despite a personal request from Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the player to Saudi Arabia, according to Football.London. The club has made it clear that Cucurella is not for sale during this transfer window.
Ronaldo’s Influence Not Enough to Sway Chelsea
The proposal was reportedly initiated at Cristiano Ronaldo’s request, following Al-Nassr’s recent acquisition of João Félix. Ronaldo had hoped to convince the Saudi club to sign another Spanish-speaking player to strengthen the squad’s left side.
However, Chelsea’s board, led by manager Enzo Maresca, views Cucurella as a vital part of their system and has no interest in weakening a squad that recently won the FIFA Club World Cup.
Cucurella’s Rise to Prominence in 2024/25
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for a significant fee, had a rocky start in London. But the 2024/25 season marked a turning point. The 26-year-old emerged as the player with the most minutes in the squad, recording 4,346 minutes across 54 matches.
He played a decisive role in:
- 9 Conference League appearances
- 6 Club World Cup matches (including the title-winning campaign)
Alongside Moisés Caicedo and Cole Palmer, Cucurella was central to Chelsea’s success and tactical stability last season.
Club’s Vision Prioritizes Stability
Chelsea’s refusal to sell reflects a commitment to squad consistency ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Blues believe Cucurella’s defensive reliability and adaptability are crucial for Maresca’s preferred playing style.
The Spanish full-back is also under a long-term contract, reinforcing the club’s position in rejecting external approaches.
