Brighton manager Graham Potter has claimed that Marc Cucurella is not unsettled at the club despite interest from Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are believed to have had an opening £30m bid rejected by the Seagulls, but Potter says Cucurella is coping well with the speculation:
“Yes, he’s happy. It’s not easy because there’s speculation and these things. He is a human being and that is the challenge with footballers. When the window is open, you get linked with this and that. It is what it is. We have a lot of respect for Marc and we like him a lot and we are just helping him enjoy his football.”
Supporters on Twitter are very much hoping that City return with a second offer for Cucurella, as they believe that Brighton will compromise on their reported £50m asking price:
He doesn't say he's not leaving, though 🤔🧐
— Mink (@minksfootie) July 25, 2022
We should go again with different bid and let’s see what will happen next🔵⚽️💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/prXa2g6Z9g
— Mr Blerk✨ (@blerkview_) July 25, 2022
We need to push.I cant understand
Why we are still being quiet in this deal?
I think £40 + add ons is ok for this guy.— Oakkar Minn Han (@kun_oakkar) July 25, 2022
Lets push to sign him, he is very good player, he will fit in our squad very well
— Festus Mbidja (@FMbidja) July 25, 2022
Let him go Potter. He is destined to play for great club and win trophies
— ✨Theo Junior✨(Bluemoon Football) (@TheoJun20317579) July 25, 2022
already sounds like he is resigned to losing him
— empty seats at home (@johxnystones) July 25, 2022
I think we have to pay them whatever they want… it’s just £50m considering his quality and market situation.
— Mancity_Bongoland (@mancitybongo) July 25, 2022
Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with Cucurella this summer but neither are thought to be in a position to make an offer, unlike City.
It does give Pep Guardiola’s side an advantage as Brighton can’t start a bidding war between competing teams. It doesn’t necessarily mean, though, that the Seagulls will lower their valuation significantly.
Last summer, they demanded £50m for Ben White and they eventually received the fee from Arsenal. City fans should expect a long, drawn-out negotiation if that transfer is anything to go by.
