Brighton defender Marc Cucurella has handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move to Manchester City.
Sky sports news he understands that the development has not changed Brighton’s stance in standing firm in its assessment of the 24-year-old.
The Seagulls have rejected a £30m offer for the winger from defending Premier League champions City and value the Spaniard at £50m.
Cucurella enjoyed a hugely successful first Premier League season after joining from Getafe in a deal worth around £15m last summer and was named Brighton’s player of the season.
Brighton don’t want to let Cucurella go and it would take a big offer for them to sell as he has four years left on his contract at Amex. However, the left-back has now pushed for a move by asking to be sold.
Comparison of Cucurella with other City full-backs
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola announced his interest in signing a left-back but declined to take part in the latest update on Cucurella’s future.
“If possible, yes [we want to sign a left-back]Guardiola said at a news conference ahead of City’s Community Shield match against Liverpool on Saturday.
But if not, we stay. Joao [Cancelo] you can play there. Joseph [Wilson-Esbrand] and Nathan [Ake, too]. I never complain about the squad that I have since the first season. What the club can do is the benefit for the club, not for me.”
Asked specifically about Cucurella, Guardiola said: “He’s a Brighton player, I can’t say anything more.”
The City manager also announced that defender Aymeric Laporte will be out until September after undergoing knee surgery.
Potter: Unless the clubs agree, there is nothing to say.
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Speaking of the Neal Maupay and Marc Cucurella transfer rumours, Graham Potter says that until the players and clubs agree on the terms of the transfers, it is just speculation.
Brighton manager Graham Potter said Sky sports news this week that while he respects the notion that players like Cucurella have career ambitions and families to think about, a move for his left-back isn’t worth talking about until the two clubs can agree on a fee.
“You can talk and respond all you want to suggestions from the media, but until there is something that the clubs and the player agree on, there is nothing to say,” Potter said. Sky sports news.
“Guys know it’s part of life and the noise that surrounds 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 human beings, as long as the window is open, possibilities can happen. That is for all the 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 training session and match. That’s the only thing they can do.”
Carra: The left back, Pep’s problematic position
Jamie Carragher says Man City have lacked an “outstanding” left-back during Guardiola’s time in charge, but Cucurella would provide healthy competition if he moved to the Etihad.
speaking to Sky sports newsthe former Liverpool defender said: “I think Man City have always lacked, really since Pep has been there, a really outstanding left-back. It was always the position where they’ve had different players at different times.”
“You’re never sure who plays there every week when you know Kyle Walker plays right back. [Joao] Cancelo has come on and he’s been as good as anyone, but I’m sure Pep would like a left foot there.
Guardiola has spent over £225m on full-backs
“Zinchenko moved to Arsenal, so when you ask ‘is it worth it’, Man City normally spend £40-50m on full-backs. They have done this notoriously since Pep came and they like any transfer and what you pay for, if you play. Well, you think it’s worth it.
“He looks like a classy operator when you see him in a Brighton shirt. He plays a similar type of football to Manchester City in possession, so I’m sure he’ll be a good signing.”
“It’s something that Man City possibly need now with Zinchenko moving forward and having a little more competition for Cancelo, who can then provide competition on the other side for Walker.”
Cucurella was among Brighton’s top performers
Man City Matches: Visit West Ham Live on Sky Sports
Manchester City kick off their defense of the Premier League title with a visit to West Ham on Sunday 7 August, with the game 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’ last game before the season takes a break for the winter World Cup is at Brentford on November 12 and when the campaign resumes they take on Leeds at Elland Road on Boxing Day.
City have a rocky start to 2023 with tricky back-to-back clashes at Chelsea and Manchester United on January 2 and 14 respectively.
As the campaign draws to a close, Pep Guardiola’s side have their return game with Liverpool at the Etihad on April 1 and then host Chelsea on May 20, before concluding in Brentford on May 28. May.
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