Marc Cucurella is getting closer to signing for Chelsea. Chelsea hijacked the deal between Brighton and Manchester City, after City failed to meet the asking price from the South Coast club. Chelsea are very interested in striking a deal and are prepared to meet the asking price. Levi Colwill is a player that Brighton admire; they are keen to, one way or another, complete a move for the young, English left-footed central defender.

Ultimately, Brighton owner Tony Bloom holds the cards in the deal. The widely reported £50million asking fee by the media has been confirmed to be incorrect from The Athletic, as Cucurella is deemed a ‘better, and rarer’ player than Ben White, who was sold for £50million to Arsenal last summer. Brighton *still* have no intention to sell, and are firmly in control of the situation. A new contract for Cucurella would still be drawn up should no move go through. 

However, with all of the talk, Cucurella handed in a transfer request amidst the Manchester City interest, which initially sparked Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel is a long-term admirer of the defender and is said to be a fan of the player’s versatility, and athletic ability to also cover the left side of the defence. With significant interest, it is likely that Cucurella will move from Brighton this summer, but how will they adapt to life without him?

  • Who would replace Cucurella?

 

Albion have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig left-back, Angleiño, as reported by most news sites. The 25-year-old former Manchester City full-back has thoroughly impressed in Germany and would be seen as a direct replacement for Cucurella, despite Brighton being in the market for a left-back regardless of whether Albion’s player of the season stays or goes. 

The likes of Destiny Udogie from Udinese has been linked by Nico Schira, as well as (now Manchester City target) Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht. The potential to play at Brighton is a much more attractive one in 2022 than it ever has been, especially as a left-wing-back in the variety of systems that Graham Potter likes to play. 

Versatility is key in the ever-evolving modern game.

 

Albion are chasing a deal for Chelsea defender, Levi Colwill. It would appear that Colwill would likely be in a separate deal to Marc Cucurella’s move to Chelsea directly. 

Levi Colwill spent last season on loan at Huddersfield in the Championship. At just 19-years-old, Colwill made 32 league appearances and chipped in with two goals. Colwill is a left-footed centre-back, with a strong and fast physicality. A modern-day rarity, and a player who has the potential to reach the stars, particularly under a forward-thinking manager like Graham Potter at Brighton. 

It is said that Brighton are looking to include Colwill in the deal, as well as coming closer to the valuation set by Brighton. Chelsea would look to insert a buy-back clause in the deal, while Brighton are attempting to negotiate a ‘first refusal’. A first refusal deal would entail the player being offered to Chelsea, if interest mounts at any time throughout his progress. A much fairer deal, in which would suit Brighton and not the other way around. At the end of the day; it is their best player on the line here. 

Finally, Marc Cucurella is contracted currently to Brighton until 2026. Brighton are thought to be relaxed about the situation, and would only operate on their terms, despite the transfer request. Whilst it is not clear, it is not likely that Cucurella would remain as an ‘unhappy’ player throughout this season, despite not getting a move. The player would simply ‘prefer’ to move to one of the biggest clubs in the country, and who could blame him?