Cristiano Ronaldo Pushes for Marc Cucurella Transfer to Al-Nassr — Chelsea’s Stunning Demand Delays Deal
In a dramatic twist to the 2025 summer transfer window, Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped in personally to accelerate Al-Nassr’s pursuit of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella. The Portuguese legend, now the face of Saudi football, has reportedly gone beyond the usual player role—taking matters into his own hands to ensure the deal happens.
Ronaldo Personally Contacts Chelsea Boss to Seal the Move
According to insider sources, Ronaldo reached out directly to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to express his desire to bring Cucurella to Saudi Arabia. The move wasn’t left to club executives — Ronaldo is said to have requested a private meeting in London with Maresca to push negotiations forward and fast-track the transfer.
But what followed caught everyone off guard.
Chelsea Shock Al-Nassr With Unexpected Conditions
While Al-Nassr were prepared to negotiate a sizable transfer fee, they were reportedly stunned by Maresca’s response. Instead of naming a price, the Chelsea boss told the Saudi delegation:
“We don’t need money. We only want three things.”
Though Chelsea have not officially disclosed what those three demands are, sources close to the talks say they are “unusual, strategic, and difficult.” These unexpected conditions have temporarily stalled negotiations and thrown Al-Nassr’s transfer plans into disarray.
Why Al-Nassr Want Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for €65 million, has had an up-and-down journey at Stamford Bridge. After struggling for consistency in his early days, the Spanish international has shown notable improvement under Enzo Maresca. His high work rate, positional intelligence, and tactical versatility have made him a valuable asset in Chelsea’s revamped system.
Al-Nassr view Cucurella as an ideal fit for their growing project — an experienced European talent capable of making an immediate impact in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League. With Ronaldo leading the charge, the club continues to attract top-tier names, and Cucurella could be the next marquee addition.
Chelsea’s Demands Hint at Bigger Strategy
Chelsea’s refusal to engage in a traditional cash deal hints at a deeper vision under Maresca. Rather than selling for quick financial gain, the club appears focused on leveraging outgoing transfers to gain long-term value. Though unconfirmed, the three conditions could involve:
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A player swap, potentially involving a rising Saudi talent or a top foreign player from Al-Nassr.
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A strategic partnership, including future friendlies or academy collaborations.
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Performance-related clauses tied to appearances, goals, or trophies.
This bold approach aligns with Chelsea’s broader strategy — building a squad that fits Maresca’s tactical plan, while strengthening global influence and future assets.
What’s Next for the Cucurella Transfer?
As of now, talks are on hold while Al-Nassr assess whether they can meet Chelsea’s demands. Cristiano Ronaldo remains actively involved, urging club officials to fulfill the conditions and bring Cucurella to Riyadh.
For his part, Cucurella is said to be open to the move, excited by the prospect of playing alongside Ronaldo and becoming a key figure in one of the Middle East’s most ambitious football projects.
Conclusion: A Transfer Saga Worth Watching
This transfer saga has all the elements of a blockbuster deal — global stars, unexpected negotiations, and high-stakes strategy. Whether Al-Nassr can deliver on Chelsea’s mysterious demands remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t done reshaping the football world — and neither is Marc Cucurella.
Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.