Real Madrid brought back Jose Mourinho as their new manager ahead of the 2026-27 season and have since backed him in the transfer window.
Los Blancos have made six signings so far this summer, bringing in the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi.
According to MARCA, Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid was not simply another signing. It was the player Jose Mourinho wanted above all else to solve the club’s long-running issue at left-back.
Mourinho identified his priorityThe Portuguese coach was unequivocal when discussing the position with the club’s hierarchy. His message was simple: “Cucurella or no one.”
Real Madrid explored making reinforcements in several areas of the squad this summer, but Mourinho saw signing a new left-back as an urgent need.
Rather than settling for an alternative, the Portuguese manager pushed for Cucurella specifically, convinced the Spain international possessed the qualities needed to transform the role.
Mourinho personally pushed for Marc Cucurella. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
His conviction ultimately proved decisive. Real Madrid moved quickly, agreeing a deal with Chelsea before sealing the transfer in just 48 hours.
Personal call sealed the moveMourinho also played a direct role in convincing the defender. The Portuguese coach personally phoned Cucurella, explaining exactly how he saw him fitting into his project.
He reiterated that Cucurella was the priority this summer and that he was the only player he wanted for the left-back spot.
Mourinho reportedly values Cucurella’s intensity as much as his technical ability. He is very tenacious in the way he goes about his game.
The Spain international is seen as a defender capable of winning duels, pressing high, carrying the ball forward and providing width throughout the match.
Cucurella is already untouchable at Real Madrid. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
After years of not finding a replacement for Marcelo, Los Blancos believe they have finally found their long-term solution.
A signing backed from the very topFew defensive signings generate widespread excitement at Real Madrid, but Cucurella appears to be an exception.
More importantly, he arrives with complete backing from everyone at the club. He arrives with a lot of expectation riding on him.
He may not have played a single game in a Los Blancos jersey yet, but he is already considered untouchable in Jose’s plans.
Cucurella is a huge bet from Madrid, and how he fares in the 2026-27 season could be directly tied to how much success the club see.
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