Expert issues £10m Marc Cucurella claim after Man City bid update
Noel Whelan has backed Man City and Brighton to reach a £40million compromise for the transfer of Marc Cucurella before the window shuts.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old’s “defensive capabilities” mean he will “fit right in” at the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Guardian (21 July), Brighton have rejected a bid from Man City for Cucurella worth £30million – with the Seagulls holding out for a £50million windfall.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month (22 June) that the full-back has accepted City’s contract offer and made it clear he wants to join the Premier League champions.
Cucurella signed for Brighton just last summer and has four years left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
The five-time Spain international notched one goal and two assists in 38 outings last term.
Whelan suggested City new boy Erling Haaland will be relishing the prospect of lining up alongside Cucurella.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s had one Premier League season, but he’s been very, very good.
“He has all the attributes of a player who would fit right in at Man City, and I’m sure that’s why Pep Guardiola is going for him.
“Box-to-box, tenacious, reads the game well, gets forward with good service – but it’s mostly the defensive capabilities which will have won Pep over.
“They’ve got attacking quality in abundance at City, and he’ll add to that as well with his service from wide areas. Haaland will be feeding off of that.
“I think around £40million is probably a fair price for someone like Cucurella.
“If you’re holding out for £50million then you’re almost pricing a player out of a move who would love to go to a club like City.”
In other news, pundit claims Man City “cannot underestimate” Bernardo Silva after he breaks silence on future.