Albion fans

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Chelsea have reduced their sizeable Albion connection by one – by selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

The Spain left-back, booed incessantly by Seagulls fans whenever their club play the West London outfit, will return to Spain after the World Cup.

Madrid and Chelsea are believed have agreed a fee of £52 million, bringing to an end a four-year stint at Stamford Bridge for the Spain international.

Cucurella moved to Stamford Bridge for a reported £60 million in the summer of 2022 after a brilliant season at the Amex which saw him voted player of the year by fans and players alike.

The manner of his exit has ensured him a hostile reaction whenever he has gone up against Albion.

But his career has progressed impressively while in West London and he has forced his way into the Spain squad, playing a key role as they won Euro 2024.

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Although a Catalan, he was playing in the Madrid suburbs for Getafe when Albion spotted him and brought him to the Premier League for about £15 million as they activated his release clause.

Cucurella has suffered five defeats in his eight league and cup games against the Seagulls and was on the losing side in each of the last four head-to-heads.