Three left-backs Chelsea must consider to replace Cucurella | OneFootball

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has left for Real Madrid, ending his four-year spell at Stamford Bridge, despite saying days ago that he was happy where he was.

Cucurella has been a terrific servant for Chelsea, helping the West London outfit clinch two trophies and two more finals, but the time had come to move on.

The Blues now need a new left-back/left-wing-back to replace the Spaniard, whose form dwindled in 2026.

Chelsea must reinvest the £51.7 million transfer fee to find a worthy replacement.

Without further ado, we analyse three left-backs that should be on the Chelsea transfer radar if they do decide to dip into the market.

Lewis Hall

Chelsea made the mistake of selling Lewis Hall to Newcastle United, where he has developed into one of the best full-backs in the land and must atone for that error.

The Cobham Academy graduate has a nonstop engine that allows him to run up and down the left flank relentlessly.

Hall is a terrific offensive player and tough as nails defensively despite his small frame, which is the only downside to his profile.

Still, the outstanding 21-year-old English star should be atop Chelsea’s shortlist. He can be a long-term left-back for Xabi Alonso or a weapon at left-wing-back.

Adrien Truffert

Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert made 114 overlapping off-ball runs in the 2025/26 Premier League season, 52 more than Djed Spence in second place (62).

If Chelsea need a bigger, more intense force on the left flank, then the Frenchman must be on their radar.

Truffert ranked first among the top five league full-backs for defensive duels, defensive duels won, interceptions, and possessions won.

He also placed fourth for both total duels and duels won. The experienced 24-year-old is a no-brainer if Hall is out of reach for any reason.

Alvaro Carreras

With Cucurella heading to Madrid, Alvaro Carreras will likely not get playing time, and Chelsea could do worse than taking the 23-year-old Spaniard on loan.

Alonso worked with Carreras at Real Madrid, and despite him not living up to the billing back home, he can benefit from a change in environment.

It is a low-risk option that allows Chelsea to test the waters before committing money to sign him permanently.

Also, with Jorrel Hato, Geovany Quenda, and Valentin Barco on the books, the Blues might not actually need to add another left-back/left-wing-back.

A low-cost option like Carreras might be the smart way to go.