Chelsea’s star player set to leave before Alonso arrives.

Spain international Marc Cucurella could leave Chelsea before Xabi Alonso takes over as manager of the Blues.

Sources in Spain say Barcelona is preparing to intensify talks to sign the left‑back.

Cucurella is approaching the end of his fourth season with Chelsea after joining from Brighton in 2022 for a fee of £60 million.

The 27‑year‑old, who rose through Espanyol’s academy before moving to Barcelona, has become one of Chelsea’s most important players during a difficult season in which the club faces the risk of missing out on European competition altogether.

Chelsea has now confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as its new manager, with the 44‑year‑old scheduled to take charge in July.

Metro reports that Alonso may find himself without one of the club’s experienced players next season, as Barcelona is expected to negotiate a deal for Cucurella in the coming week.

In an appearance on the Solo para Cules podcast, El Chiringuito’s Jota Jordi suggested that Cucurella is likely to return to La Liga this summer, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid identified as the defender’s two potential destinations.