Marc Cucurella set for immediate Chelsea return after completing Real Madrid transfer

Former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is set to return to Stamford Bridge in the coming months after joining Real Madrid as Los Blancos’ Champions League campaign comes to London.

Cucurella’s return will come after Real Madrid were drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase, with the Ukrainian side set to use Stamford Bridge as its home ground for European matches.

The fixture will give Cucurella the opportunity to return to the stadium where he spent four seasons with Chelsea, although this time he will arrive as a Real Madrid player.

The Spain international completed his move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2032.

The transfer was reportedly worth an initial €55 million, with a further €5 million available in add-ons.

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 and initially struggled to produce his best form at Stamford Bridge. However, he eventually established himself as an important player for the club.

During his time with Chelsea, Cucurella helped the Blues win the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. He was also part of Spain’s squad that won the 2024 European Championship.

His return to Stamford Bridge will also see him linked with another familiar figure, as José Mourinho is now in charge of Real Madrid. Mourinho enjoyed two spells as Chelsea manager and won several major trophies during his time at the club.

However, Cucurella will not be returning to face Chelsea. The Blues are not participating in the Champions League this season, meaning Shakhtar will host Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

The exact date of the Champions League meeting is yet to be confirmed, but the fixture will take place during the league phase of the competition.

Cucurella’s return will mark an unusual reunion with his former club, as the defender could soon find himself back at Stamford Bridge only months after leaving Chelsea for one of the biggest clubs in European football.