José Mourinho has once again made headlines after reportedly pushing for the signing of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, with Spanish outlet Marca revealing that the manager personally requested the defender as a key target in his squad rebuild for the 2026/2027 season.
According to the report, Mourinho has made his preference clear to the club’s hierarchy, identifying Cucurella as a priority option to strengthen the left side of defence ahead of the new season. The Portuguese coach is believed to have directly influenced the speed of negotiations, with insiders suggesting his intervention helped accelerate discussions between the two clubs.
Sources in Spain claim Real Madrid moved quickly once Mourinho gave the green light, with Cucurella’s profile fitting the manager’s tactical demand for a high-energy, aggressive full-back capable of contributing in both defensive transitions and attacking build-up play. The Spaniard’s experience in the Premier League with Chelsea is seen as a major plus, giving him the physical and tactical edge Mourinho values.
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, has had a mixed but improving spell in England, eventually becoming a regular starter and showcasing his versatility under different managerial systems. His ability to invert into midfield and press high up the pitch is believed to be one of the key reasons Mourinho pushed for his signing.
While Chelsea are reluctant to lose another defensive asset, the growing pressure from Madrid—and Mourinho’s clear insistence appears to have shifted the momentum of the deal.
If completed, the move would mark one of the first major statements of intent under Mourinho’s latest project, signalling a return to his aggressive, results-driven squad-building approach.
For now, the football world waits to see whether Mourinho’s “requested signing” becomes reality or another blockbuster transfer battle between Europe’s elite.