Reece James says Marc Cucurella’s decision to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid has left James feeling devastated, as the defender prepares for a very different club dressing room next season while on World Cup duty with England.

Cucurella finalised a reported 60m (51.8m) transfer from Stamford Bridge to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu last week, where the defender joins Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate in Madrid’s latest intake ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

James and Cucurella formed a regular partnership on Chelsea’s flanks, featuring together in 93 matches and collecting 46 wins, 18 draws and 29 defeats. The Chelsea captain accepted the move but admitted strong emotions. “Yeah, I spoke with him [Cucurella] a few days ago,” James told talkSPORT. “You know, he’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world, for sure. This is football. Players move every few months and I’m devastated to see him go. But I wish him all the best.”

When James returns from the World Cup with England, Chelsea will be under new leadership. Xabi Alonso is preparing for a first season in charge of the Blues in 2026-27, which will be the coach’s first job since leaving the role of Real Madrid boss in January, after earlier success at Bayer Leverkusen with the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.

The Spaniard arrived at Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 and went on to play 163 games, contributing 11 assists and nine goals from defence. Cucurella, now 27, helped Chelsea lift the Club World Cup and the Conference League under Enzo Maresca in the 2024-25 season, and also featured in the FA Cup final this season, where Chelsea finished as runner-up.

James has already heard positive reports about Alonso’s coaching style and background, which includes a distinguished playing career. “Everyone I’ve spoken to about him [Alonso] says he’s an amazing manager, more known from his playing career,” James added. “He had an amazing career and I’m excited to work with him.”

Cucurella’s move has also been highlighted by Real Madrid on social media, with the club posting footage related to the defender as part of World Cup coverage.

Chelsea now lose a key left-back who delivered trophies and consistency, while Real Madrid add further depth, and James must adjust to life without a long-time defensive colleague as a new era under Alonso begins at Stamford Bridge.