Alonso’s choice
Hall, Seys & Co: Five Chelsea left-back targets to replace Marc Cucurella under €45 million
©TM/IMAGO
It’s widely expected that there will be a significant overhaul of Chelsea’s squad this summer with Xabi Alonso taking the reins. The Spaniard’s reputation plummeted after a difficult spell at Real Madrid but it’s understood that he will be entrusted with substantial influence in transfer dealings. Chelsea have an enormous squad with the priority under BlueCo’s ownership to acquire youngsters with massive potential as opposed to signing established stars.
Market Value
M. Cucurella
Left-Back
€50.00m
This directive has led to consistent criticism from Chelsea supporters and it will be fascinating to see if this approach is altered this summer after failing to qualify for European football. Chelsea need to sign a new left-back after Marc Cucurella completed his move to Real Madrid. The Spanish international was one of the Blues’ best players last season but they’ve recouped an impressive €55m fee for Cucurella, which could rise to €60m. As Chelsea analyse the market for potential replacements, we’ve proposed five options who can play at left-back or left wing-back with market values under €40m.
Five Chelsea options to replace Marc Cucurella
Market Value
L. Hall
Left-Back
€40.00m
Lewis Hall would be the dream replacement but is it realistic? It would be a statement signing if Chelsea were able to bring the 21-year-old back to Stamford Bridge after the academy graduate departed for Newcastle United on-loan in 2023 before completing a permanent move in 2024. Hall was a shining light last season for Newcastle and he’s widely viewed as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. It would be a difficult deal to complete with Newcastle unwilling to sell and there’s also reported interest from Manchester United.
Market Value
M. Araújo
Left-Back
€35.00m
Reputable reports in Portugal have suggested that Sporting CP star Maxi Araújo is a leading candidate to replace Cucurella. At 26, Araujo would represent an experienced option with good pedigree and he’s been generally excellent since joining Sporting from Toluca in 2024. Alonso’s preferred system is a 3-5-2, which places huge requirements on wing-backs and Araujo has been deployed in that role regularly at Sporting. The 26-year-old has 29 caps for Uruguay, scoring in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia and he’d represent a ready-made replacement for Cucurella.
Market Value
A. Robinson
Left-Back
€22.00m
Transfermarkt understands that Antonee Robinson is under consideration from Chelsea to make the short trip across West London. The 26-year-old would represent a Premier League proven option and he’s been one of Fulham’s best performers across recent years. Robinson is very good from an attacking perspective, capable of providing assists and that would be an asset if Alonso deploys wing-backs. The USA international would be slightly more expensive than some options on the list but Chelsea and Fulham enjoy a strong relationship.
Market Value
J. Seys
Left-Back
€20.00m
Joaquin Seys remains a relatively unknown quantity to most Premier League fans but he is a massive talent. The 21-year-old’s potential is enormous and he was outstanding as Club Brugge were crowned Belgian champions last season. Seys also has Champions League experience after making eight starts in the competition last season. While he would be more of a project player, Seys is the sixth most valuable U21 left-back in the world and could develop into one of the best in this position.
Market Value
D. Methalie
Left-Back
€18.00m
Much like Seys, Dayann Methalie is an enormous talent that isn’t well-known outside of French football. The 20-year-old has all the characteristics to become one of the best left-backs in the world and crucially he played at left wing-back last season for Toulouse. His speed and power really stand out and players from Ligue 1 often adapt to the demands of the Premier League quickly. Methalie is the seventh most valuable left-back in the world at €20 million and won’t be extortionate to purchase.
Note:When you search for something on Google, you’ll see a box with the latest news alongside the usual results. If you set Transfermarkt as your preferred source, our content will appear there more often.Add Transfermarkt as your preferred source here.
Homepage
Report
error
