Cucurella opens up on failed Barcelona transfer: “There was no interest from Barça” | OneFootball

Barcelona’s plans at left-back have become much clearer after Marc Cucurella publicly denied ever being a transfer target for the Catalan club before completing his move to Real Madrid.

For weeks, reports in Spain suggested Barcelona were monitoring the Spanish international as a possible replacement if Alejandro Balde left the club during the summer transfer window. 

Those rumours gathered pace as the Blaugrana continued assessing different scenarios in the market.

However, Cucurella has now put an end to that speculation himself, making it clear that Barcelona were never in the picture despite the widespread reports.

Cucurella clears the air over Barcelona speculation

Before Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella, the left-back had been heavily linked with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. 

Cucurella reveals Barcelona were not interested in him. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)

Several reports claimed the Blaugrana viewed him as an experienced option should they decide to cash in on Balde.

Speaking during a recent media appearance, though, Cucurella dismissed those claims outright.

“There was no interest from Barça in me, but there was from Atletico,” said the new Real Madrid signing.

His statement effectively closes the debate surrounding Barcelona’s reported interest and suggests that Atletico Madrid were the only Spanish club to seriously consider signing him before Real Madrid secured the deal.

The revelation also offers a clearer picture of Barcelona’s transfer strategy, with the club seemingly never advancing beyond media speculation regarding the former Chelsea defender.

Balde remains central to Barcelona’s plans

Cucurella is now a Real Madrid player. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)

Cucurella’s comments come at an important time for Barcelona, who continue working on several transfer operations ahead of the new season, especially Balde

Although Balde has experienced a difficult spell over the past year, both with Barcelona and at the international level, the club still appears willing to place its trust in the academy product rather than searching for a new first-choice defender.

That said, Barcelona are expected to remain open to offers for players across the squad if they receive proposals that meet their financial expectations. 

Although Balde is no exception, there is currently no indication that the club is actively looking to part ways with him.

Instead, both player and club are aligned on continuing together, with the defender determined to fight for his place under the current project.