Chelsea's Marc Cucurella Succession Plan: The Latest Updates

Earlier on this month, Marc Cucurella officially departed Chelsea after four years at the club, as he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on the eve of Spain's opening game at this summer's FIFA World Cup.

Pretty safe to say that he does not go with the best wishes of the fanbase, who are still frustrated that he is yet to acknowledge the fans or club, despite it being the best part of two weeks since the move was made official. 

However, there is still an acceptance and acknowledgement that he will need to be replaced next season, with the question remaining: Will it be an internal or external replacement? 

One of the biggest cliches in football is a "bit of both." Well, it could certainly be applicable here. Indeed, as Bobby Vincent is reporting that Chelsea have an interest in Rayo Vallecano left back Pep Chavarria, whilst also stating that he would not be a direct replacement for Cucurella, with Jorrel Hato set to be promoted and play a bigger role next season. 

So, that could be what we see. Hato as the first choice left back, with Chavarria providing competition. There is still an expectancy that Valentin Barco, who started off as a left back, will be signed this summer too. 

Then, there is the consideration of what formation Xabi Alonso opts for. If he goes for a back three, we could see Hato as the left sided central defenders, with one of the other options starting as a left wing back. The Dutchman could himself be the wing back, but that would feel slightly too pragmatic, but you never know. 

Mind you, Chavarria has built a reputation more for his defensive work than going forward over in Spain, so could he be an option to play on the left side of the back three? Who knows. Certainly one to consider. 

As for Hato, whichever position he plays, there is a real hope from within the fanbase that he will play more next season, so the report is encouraging. It is a shame he has not got the game time at the World Cup so far, with the defender being an unused sub in all three of the Netherlands' group games. They will face Morocco in their round of 32 clash - you can read all about that and the other games including Chelsea players by clicking this link.