Sky Sports News understands the development has not changed Brighton’s stance on the stability of their valuation of the 24-year-old. The Seagulls rejected a £30m bid for the full-back from defending Premier League champions City and value the Spaniard at £50m. Cucurella enjoyed a hugely successful first season in the Premier League after joining from Getafe in a deal worth around £15m last summer and was named Brighton’s player of the season. Brighton are unwilling to let Cucurella go and would need a huge offer to sell as he has four years left on his Amex contract. However, the left-back has now pushed for a transfer asking to be sold. Image: How Cucurella compares to other City full-backs Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced an interest in signing a left-back but refused to be included in the latest update on Cucurella’s future. “If possible, yes [we want to sign a left-back],” Guardiola told a press conference ahead of City’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool on Saturday. “But if not, we stay João [Cancelo] can play there. I am joking [Wilson-Esbrand] and Nathan [Ake, too]. I never complain about the team I have since the first season. What the club can do is benefit the club, not me.” When asked about Cucurella specifically, Guardiola said: “He’s a Brighton player, I can’t say anything else.” The City manager also announced that defender Aymeric Laporte will be out until September after undergoing knee surgery.
Potter: Unless the clubs agree, there’s nothing to say
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Discussing the transfer rumors of Neal Maupay and Marc Cucurella, Graham Potter says that until players and clubs agree terms on the transfers, they are just speculation. Brighton manager Graham Potter told Sky Sports News this week that while he respects the idea that players like Cucurella have career aspirations and families to think about, it is not worth talking about a move for his left-back until the two clubs agree on the fee. . “You can talk and respond all you want to the media suggestions, but until there’s something the clubs and the player agree to, there’s nothing to say,” Potter told Sky Sports News. “Kids know it’s part of life and the buzz around football, certainly at this level. You can only control what you can control. It’s part of life and it’s as simple as that. “They are people, while the window is open, chances can happen. That goes for all players, you have to respect that they have families, careers, ambitions and things like that. “At the same time, you know it’s part of the game and something they have to deal with. We just have to focus on the next practice and game. That’s the only thing they can do.”
Carra: Left back the problematic position under Pep
Jamie Carragher says Man City have lacked an “outstanding” left-back during Guardiola’s tenure, but that Cucurella would provide healthy competition should he move to the Etihad. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Liverpool defender said: “I think Manchester City have always – really since Pep has been there – haven’t had a real great left-back. It’s always been the position where they’ve had different players at different times. “You’re never sure who’s playing there every week, where you know Kyle Walker is playing right-back. [Joao] Cancelo went there and was as good as anyone really, but I’m sure Pep would want a left foot there. Image: Guardiola has spent over £225m on full-backs “Zinchenko moved to Arsenal, so when you ask ‘is it worth it’, Manchester City normally spend £40-50m on a full-back. They’ve done it brilliantly since Pep came in and they like any transfer and what you pay – if you play well you think he deserves it “He looks a classy operator when you see him in a Brighton shirt. He plays similar football to Manchester City in possession so I’m sure he’ll be a good signing. “It’s something Manchester City probably need now with Zinchenko moving on and having a bit more competition for Cancelo, who can then provide competition at the other end for Walker.” Image: Cucurella was among Brighton’s best performers
Watch Man City: Visit West Ham live on Sky Sports
Manchester City begin their Premier League title defense with a visit to West Ham on Sunday 7 August, with the match live on Sky Sports. The first Manchester derby of the season is at the Etihad on October 1, before City travel to title rivals Liverpool on October 15. The champions’ final game before the season takes a winter World Cup break is at home to Brentford on November 12 and when the campaign resumes they face Leeds at Elland Road on Boxing Day. City have a tough start to 2023 with tough back-to-back fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester United on January 2 and 14 respectively. As the campaign draws to a close, Pep Guardiola’s side have the second leg against Liverpool at the Etihad on April 1 and then host Chelsea on May 20, before finishing at Brentford on May 28.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 10 and closes at 11pm on September 1? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
