Real Madrid’s signing of 28-year-old defender gives key UEFA squad registration boost | OneFootball

Real Madrid wrapped up a deal for Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on the eve of the World Cup and then watched him go on to lift the title with La Roja.

His arrival at Los Blancos is expected to strengthen Jose Mourinho’s options at left-back, but the signing also carries an important administrative benefit ahead of the new Champions League campaign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Cucurella’s addition ensures that Real Madrid currently meet UEFA’s requirement of having at least eight locally trained players in their List A squad for European competitions.

Cucurella helps Madrid meet UEFA rules

UEFA allows clubs to register a maximum of 25 players in List A, but at least eight of those must qualify as locally trained.

If a club fall short of that number, the total size of the squad must be reduced accordingly.

Cucurella arrives as a world champion. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

A locally trained player is someone who spent at least three seasons between the ages of 15 and 21 either at the club itself or with another club in the same national association.

Cucurella comfortably meets that requirement thanks to his years in Barcelona’s academy before continuing his development in Spanish football.

His registration therefore strengthens Madrid’s compliance with UEFA regulations as well as their squad depth.

Valuable flexibility for Mourinho

The report adds that several current Madrid players also qualify as locally trained under UEFA rules, including Andriy Lunin, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler.

That gives Mourinho greater flexibility when finalising his Champions League squad.

Even if changes occur before the transfer window closes, Madrid are currently in a comfortable position regarding UEFA’s registration requirements.

Cucurella’s arrival provides Real Madrid an important boost. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

A departure for Asencio could reduce that total, although Rodrygo may also qualify depending on the final registration calculations.

For Madrid fans, there will not be much attention paid to these administrative benefits.

What they will want to see is the 28-year-old left-back perform on the pitch, and he has always been a consistent performer wherever he has been.

The signing of Cucurella has given Madrid a World Cup champion in their ranks, and Jose Mourinho will hope that the confidence spreads across the dressing room.

After two successive trophyless seasons, next season is make or break for Madrid, and it remains to be seen how Cucurella settles into the team once he returns from holiday.