Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter admits that the club did not want to sell Marc Cucurella to Chelsea this summer, but feels that the deal they made was a 'win-win' for everybody involved.
On Wednesday evening, Brighton released a statement denying that they had an agreement with another club to sell the 24-year-old left-back, posting on Twitter: "Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella."
However, less than 48 hours later the Seagulls have confirmed that they have received a club-record transfer fee for Cucurella from Chelsea, who have signed the Spaniard on a six-year deal for a fee in excess of £60m.
Chelsea have since aimed a sly dig a Brighton with their social media response confirming the arrival of Cucurella, posting on Twitter: "Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella."
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Brighton's opening Premier League fixture at Manchester United on Sunday, Potter wished Cucurella all the best at Chelsea and believes the opportunity for him to play in Champions League was a factor in his decision to leave the club.
"Of course we are disappointed to see Marc leave, but we wish him well for the future," Potter told reporters on Friday.
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"He had an excellent first season in the Premier League, deservedly winning both our Player of the Season awards, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past 12 months."
"We didn't want or need to sell Marc, but understand if a Champions League club comes, it's difficult for us.
"It's a situation now where everybody has won. Marc was fantastic, I wish him well and we move forward."
Potter added: "We try and anticipate rather than be reactionary (in the transfer market). The situation with Marc is slightly different but we're in a strong position.
"We have midfielders who can fill the space Yves [Bissouma] held, and we have a strong squad."
When asked about potential incomings, Potter said: "I'm happy with the recruitment so far and the squad. While the window is open, you never know – but we have a good, ambitious squad. We're quite comfortable with where we're at."
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While Cucurella has made the switch to Stamford Bridge, defender Levi Colwill has moved in the opposite direction and has joined Brighton on a season-long loan deal.
"Levi has enormous potential and has already shown his ability last season in the Championship and with England at various age group levels up to Under-21s," Potter told the club's official website.
"I am really looking forward to working with him on the training pitch, and in matches over the course of the season.
"He plays mostly at centre-back, but has also played on the left as a full-back, and he is a player who is comfortable on the ball."
Meanwhile, Brighton have confirmed that centre-back Shane Duffy to join newly-promoted Fulham on loan for the 2022-23 season.
Oliver Thomas
