On August 5th 2022, and August 5th 2023, respectively, Chelsea Football Club welcomed two Spanish talents, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sánchez, from Brighton & Hove Albion, marking significant additions to the squad. As we reflect on these signings, the duo’s journey at Stamford Bridge has been a mix of challenges, resilience, and standout moments that have cemented their importance to the team.
CUCURELLA & SANCHEZ 🏆💙 pic.twitter.com/lsczYXC3B3
— Chelsea Photos (@ChelseaInPhotos) May 29, 2025
Marc Cucurella: From Brighton Star to Chelsea’s Fan Favourite
Marc Cucurella, a versatile left-back, signed for Chelsea on August 5, 2022, on a six-year contract for a reported fee of £55 million, potentially rising to £62 million with add-ons. The transfer made him one of the most expensive full-backs in history at the time. Coming from a stellar 2021–22 season at Brighton, where he was voted both Players’ Player of the Season and Player of the Season, Cucurella brought high expectations to West London. His high-energy performances, tough tackling, and ability to play multiple roles—left-back, wing-back, or even left-sided centre-back—made him an attractive prospect for then-manager Thomas Tuchel.
Cucurella’s early days at Chelsea were turbulent. The 2022–23 season saw managerial changes and inconsistent team performances, and he faced criticism for defensive lapses and struggles in one-on-one situations. Despite making 33 appearances across all competitions, his debut season was marked by ups and downs. However, under Mauricio Pochettino and later Enzo Maresca, Cucurella turned his fortunes around. His adaptability shone through, often playing as an inverted full-back, contributing to Chelsea’s possession-based style. In the 2024–25 season, he played 36 Premier League matches, scoring five goals and providing one assist, while also playing a key role in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs. His goal-scoring prowess, including a headed opener against Brentford on December 15, 2024, showcased his attacking growth.
Cucurella’s resilience has made him a fan favorite. Teammate Robert Sánchez praised his transformation, noting, “When he signed for Chelsea, he didn’t have a great first year, but he overcame that... He’s one of the best left-backs on the planet right now.” With interest from La Liga clubs and Al-Nassr rebuffed by Chelsea, Cucurella remains a cornerstone of Maresca’s project, with talks of a new contract underway.
Robert Sánchez: A Goalkeeper’s Redemption Arc
Robert Sánchez joined Chelsea a year later, on August 3, 2023, for an initial £20 million plus £5 million in add-ons, also from Brighton. The Spanish goalkeeper, born in Cartagena to a Jamaican-English father and Spanish-French mother, had shown promise at Brighton but lost his starting spot to Jason Steele in the 2022–23 season. His move to Chelsea offered a fresh start, and pundit Karen Bardsley called him “Chelsea’s smartest signing” in October 2023 for his positive impact on a transitioning team.
Sánchez’s Chelsea career has been a rollercoaster. He started as the first-choice goalkeeper under Mauricio Pochettino, but injuries, including a knee issue sustained against Manchester United in December 2023, disrupted his campaign. By January 2025, new manager Enzo Maresca considered dropping him after a series of errors, notably in a loss to Manchester City where his poor decision-making led to a goal. Despite these setbacks, Sánchez showed his quality in high-stakes moments, earning the Golden Glove in Chelsea’s 3–0 FIFA Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain on July 13, 2025, with several key saves.
Cucurella has been a vocal supporter of Sánchez, acknowledging the goalkeeper’s struggles but backing him to rebound: “All the players who have come here have had hard times. The important thing is that he’s well, that he works hard, because I’m sure he’ll get his chance again.” With competition from Filip Jørgensen and links to other goalkeepers like Gabriel Brazao, Sánchez’s future as Chelsea’s No. 1 remains uncertain, but his potential remains undeniable.
A Shared Journey and Spanish Connection
Both Cucurella and Sánchez share more than just their Brighton origins and Spanish nationality. They’ve built a strong bond, having played together at Brighton, Chelsea, and for the Spanish national team. Their shared experiences of overcoming early struggles at Chelsea highlight their resilience. Sánchez reflected on this, saying, “When you come to a new team, a bigger team, one of the best teams on the planet in Chelsea, you’re always going to need a little time to settle. It happened to Cucu, it happened to me.”
Their contributions to Chelsea’s 2024–25 season, including the Conference League and Club World Cup successes, underscore their importance. Cucurella’s versatility and Sánchez’s shot-stopping ability, when at their best, complement Maresca’s tactical vision. As Chelsea look to build on these achievements, the Spanish duo’s signings on these August days in 2022 and 2023 remain pivotal moments in the club’s recent history.
