According to Catalunya Radio, as cited by Marca, Barcelona are keen on re-signing Marc Cucurella. The Getafe defender has emerged as a target for the Spanish giants as they look to reinforce their defensive options. It is believed that Barcelona have a €15 million buyback clause embedded in Cucurella’s contract and they are likely to activate it in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Marc Cucurella’s rise to prominence
A product of La Masia youth academy, Cucurella joined Getafe on loan last summer, in search of regular game-time. The left-back has been excellent so far, notching up 25 league appearances. He has been involved in six goals already this season, helping Getafe compete for the Champions League places.
Indeed, Cucurella’s creativity from the left flank has served Getafe well, with the youngster notably averaging 1.5 key passes per game. Also, the Spaniard has shown impressive work-rate and tenacity. He has attempted 3.6 tackles per game with a success rate of 63%.
Cucurella’s excellent performances convinced Getafe to activate his €6 million purchase clause last month. However, that deal included a buyback clause of €15 million.
What can he offer to the table?
Cucurella is an intelligent operator on the flanks. While the Spaniard does love to attack the opposition with incisive runs across the final third, he is also quite versatile. In fact, he can operate as a left-winger, if needed. So essentially, the defender is excellent when it comes to threading crosses from the wide areas of the pitch.
Another key asset for the 21-year-old is his tenacious and athletic nature. His maturity is also beyond his years, and unlike most modern-day fullbacks, the Getafe star is well aware of his defensive chores.
Barcelona are keen on re-signing Marc Cucurella: A move they need to make?
Barcelona will be desperate to sign a reliable alternative for Jordi Alba this summer, especially after the failures of Junior Firpo. The ex-Real Betis star has been miserable, in fact. And that’s where Cucurella could fit in.
The 21-year-old’s maturity, positional sense and technical prowess provide much more prospect than Firpo’s sheer pace and attack-minded nature. That means Cucurella is more likely to thrive under Quique Setien’s balanced tactical style, which has shown a lot of promise so far.
Defensive positioning, in particular, is something that was really absent in Firpo’s game. That hole could be filled by the much more authentic and sharp Cucurella. Aside from his tactical compatibility, his €15 million buyback clause makes him a financially feasible target. And having already played for the Barcelona youth teams, the Spaniard shouldn’t find it difficult settling in.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
