Xabi Alonso’s reign at Chelsea has reportedly begun with an unexpected setback after claims emerged that the Spaniard was not consulted before Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid was completed.
Alonso only recently arrived at Stamford Bridge as the permanent successor to Liam Rosenior and was expected to enjoy greater influence over transfer decisions than previous Chelsea bosses.
The club’s decision to appoint him as manager rather than head coach was widely viewed as a sign that he would play a larger role in shaping the squad.
However, reports suggest that was not the case when it came to Cucurella’s departure.
The Spain international has completed a move to Real Madrid in a deal worth around £52 million, including add-ons, ending his three-year spell in west London.
Cucurella had been one of Chelsea’s standout performers during the 2025-26 campaign and was regarded as one of the club’s most consistent players despite a difficult season that ended without European qualification.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Alonso was not informed of the transfer before the deal was finalised, raising fresh questions about the manager’s influence behind the scenes.
The sale has surprised many supporters, particularly given Cucurella’s importance to the team and Chelsea’s need for experienced performers following a disappointing campaign.
Earlier this week, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed several factors behind the decision.
Cucurella reportedly informed Chelsea of his desire to return to Spain for personal and family reasons, while the club also felt the fee represented strong value in the current market.
The development of highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato is also believed to have influenced Chelsea’s willingness to sanction the move.
Despite losing Cucurella, the club are expected to reinvest heavily and remain in the market for at least two players capable of immediately improving the starting line-up.
Yet concerns are growing over Chelsea’s wider financial position.
The club missed out on European football and continue to face pressure to balance their spending after several years of aggressive recruitment.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes more departures are inevitable before the transfer window closes.
Wyness said there are going to be a few more sales.
He added that Chelsea’s financial numbers do not look very good and that the club will have to work extra hard, while suggesting Cucurella’s departure reflected some dissatisfaction within the camp.
Reports suggest several high-profile players could also face uncertain futures.
Club captain Enzo Fernandez has repeatedly been linked with a move away, while striker Liam Delap and academy product Tyrique George are among those reportedly attracting interest.
Wyness believes Chelsea’s absence from European competition has only increased the pressure on the club’s finances.
He said the club has a major puzzle to solve and will need to move on some higher-paid players while continuing to reshape the squad.
For Alonso, the situation presents an immediate challenge.
The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers, but he now faces the task of rebuilding a squad while navigating financial constraints and uncertainty over several key players.
Whether the reported lack of involvement in Cucurella’s exit becomes a one-off incident or a sign of deeper issues behind the scenes remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Chelsea’s summer overhaul is only just beginning.
