#transfers

I commit to RPFing in a bubble that runs from summer 2023-spring 2026.

Marc Cucurella has signed a six‑year contract with Real Madrid, who paid 55 million euros for the defender.

Cucurella was developed at RCD Espanyol and later FC Barcelona. In 2017 he made his only official first‑team appearance for Barcelona, featuring in a Copa del Rey match against Real Murcia.

He then joined SD Eibar on loan, and in 2019 Eibar activated his purchase clause. Barcelona immediately exercised their buy‑back option in the same window and sent him on loan to Getafe CF, who signed him permanently the following season.

In 2021 Getafe sold him to Brighton & Hove Albion, and one year later he completed a move to Chelsea London. For Chelsea he played 163 matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 13 assists, while winning both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Previous team: Chelsea London

Age: 27

Position: Left back

Height: 173 cm

Matches played last season: 50

Tottenham’s move for Andy Robertson is a very “De Zerbi style” signing: experienced, technically reliable, aggressive in possession, and mentally strong. Even at 32, Robertson still brings elite intensity, leadership, crossing quality, and tactical intelligence all traits that fit what Roberto De Zerbi wants from his full-backs.

What Robertson brings to Tottenham

Elite delivery from wide areas

Robertson has been one of the Premier League’s best creators from left-back for years.

Key Liverpool numbers:

* 69 assists in 378 appearances

* Consistently among league leaders for crosses and chances created

* Excellent cut-backs and early whipped deliveries

Under De Zerbi, Spurs will likely dominate possession more often. Robertson’s crossing could become a major weapon for:

* back-post runs

* inverted wingers attacking the box

* quick switches of play

* overloads on the left side

Tactical intelligence in buildup

De Zerbi’s football relies heavily on:

* positional rotations

* baiting pressure

* progressive passing from deep

Robertson is underrated technically. At Liverpool, he improved massively under Klopp in:

* receiving under pressure

* fast combinations

* progressive passing down the line

* underlapping movement

He is not just an “up and down runner” anymore.

Winning mentality and leadership

This may actually be the biggest reason Spurs signed him.

Robertson brings:

* Champions League winning experience

* title winning mentality

* dressing room leadership

* intensity standards in training

De Zerbi himself highlighted Robertson’s “leadership” and “winning mentality” after the move was confirmed

For a Tottenham side rebuilding after a difficult season, that matters enormously.

How Robertson fits under De Zerbi

Likely tactical role

De Zerbi usually asks his full-backs to do one of three things:

1. Stay wide to stretch the pitch

2. Invert into midfield

3. Rotate aggressively during buildup

Robertson fits especially well in Roles 1 and 3.

Possible Spurs shape in possession

Formation 4231

Expected left-side structure:

* Robertson overlaps aggressively

* left winger drifts inside

* central midfielder covers transition space

* Robertson becomes the main width provider

That setup is perfect for his crossing game.

Key strengths Spurs gain

Area What Robertson adds

Crossing Elite finalball quality

Intensity Constant overlapping runs

Leadership Vocal organiser and winner

Experience Big game mentality

Defensive aggression Strong pressing and recovery

Mentality Competitive edge Spurs lack

Potential concerns

Age and physical load

At 32, Robertson is no longer in his absolute athletic peak.

Questions:

* Can he still play 50+ high-intensity matches?

* Can he recover repeatedly in De Zerbi’s demanding system?

Tottenham may need:

* rotation with Destiny Udogie

* managed minutes

* tactical protection in transitions

Defensive transitions

De Zerbi’s teams can sometimes leave space behind full-backs.

Robertson’s aggression helps pressing, but:

* he can be exposed in open-field defending now more than in his prime

* recovery pace is slightly reduced

Still, his positioning and experience compensate for some physical decline.

Why this signing makes sense for Spurs

This is not just about talent.

It’s about:

* raising standards

* adding experienced winners

* giving De Zerbi tactically intelligent players

* helping younger players develop

Robertson is effectively:

* part starter

* part leader

* part culture-setter

That’s why De Zerbi pushed for him quickly.

Overall outlook

If used correctly, Robertson could become:

* one of Spurs’ most important leaders immediately

* a key creator from left-back

* the perfect tactical mentor for younger defenders

currently i cant see my OT because of no funding being left in my plan. my OT suggested they reach out to my physio instead. i also cant see my physio or any other allied health because of funding. this situation is expected to last somewhere between 21 days (legal requirement to get it done in this timeframe) and 6-9 months (how long it actually tends to take)

Also. for more bullshit. when i briefly had support from an independent worker for like 3 weeks in dec. the shower transfers were so sketchy and dangerous, and required so much exertion from me, even with a slide board, hands on assistance and using my pwc functions as much as possible. i had to refuse showers on at least a third of our shifts because i just couldn't physically do the transfer.

it was clear and obvious to both me and the carer that a hoist was needed, and my OT agreed to trial transfer aid options..... before we ran out of funding. the order of operations is all fucked up and im so frustrated and sick of it. cant even microwave myself some leftovers lately. and cant get the disability nutrition drinks reccomended because no funding for meals and no funds for dietician.