Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo jokingly warned former Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella that life at Real Madrid will not be easy after the Spanish international completed a surprise move to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.
Cucurella’s transfer has been one of the biggest stories of the transfer window. The left-sided defender, who came out of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and moved to Europe, has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid. Olmo said that Cucurella’s move to Barcelona’s biggest rival took people by surprise.
"We didn't expect it," Olmo said. “He kept it inside, if that’s what he wanted, I’m happy for him because he’s my friend. Now he’s going to have to suffer in the league, and so will we. For example, he’s going to have to suffer against Lamine."
Olmo’s comments were about the Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has now become one of the most interesting young players in world football. Cucurella playing Yamal in future El Clasico games is already generating much excitement among fans.
Cucurella will go to Madrid as one of the most energetic and technically gifted full-backs in Europe. A high-energy, defensive and attacking player, the Spaniard will be at the forefront of Real Madrid’s plans in the upcoming seasons.
Despite Madrid’s impressive recruitment drive, Olmo insists Barcelona are not intimidated by their rivals’ transfer business.
“It’s normal that after two years without a win, they are reinforced,” Olmo said. “They are world-class players, but we are not worried. We have made a great signing with Gordon and we are happy.”
Real Madrid’s summer spending has been big. Besides Cucurella, Los Blancos have brought in Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate, and there is talk about a Dutch international, Denzel Dumfries, being sold. The club is not shy of getting out of the transfer business and will not rest on its laurels.
Barcelona has also been active. The Catalan giants signed Anthony Gordon and they are still trying to get Argentine striker Julian Alvarez as they hope to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
With both sides of Barcelona and Real Madrid investing so much in their teams, this rivalry will continue to be an interesting one for another year. Cucurella crossing the divide has only made the game more interesting and his battle to meet Yamal and Barcelona’s attack will be one of the most interesting games of the season.
