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Chelsea have signed Spanish defender Marc Cucurella from Brighton on a six-year contract.
The 24-year-old left-back scored one goal in 38 games in his only season for the Seagulls after joining from Spanish side Getafe.
“I’m really happy. It’s a great opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world,” said Cucurella.
“I will work hard to be happy here and help the team.”
Brighton said they have received a record transfer fee for Koukourela, surpassing Ben White’s £50m move to Arsenal last summer.
A graduate of Barcelona’s academy, Cucurella won a championship for Spain and played for the under-23 team that won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Last month Brighton rejected a £30million bid from champions Manchester City for Cukurella, who handed in a transfer request after City expressed an interest.
“We didn’t want to lose Marc, but he wanted the chance to play Champions League football with a view to accelerating his progression into Spain’s World Cup squad,” Brighton manager Graham Potter said.
“Of course we are disappointed to see Marc go, but we wish him well in the future.
“He’s had an excellent first season in the Premier League, deservedly winning both player of the season awards and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with him over the past 12 months.”
Cucurella is the second big-money departure from Brighton this summer after the midfielder Yves Bishouma has joined Tottenham for £25m plus extras.
Find all the latest football transfers on our special page.
More to come.
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