According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester City is reportedly planning a high-profile move for Barcelona’s young center-back, Pau Cubarsi.
The Premier League champions are prepared to offer up to €70 million to secure the services of the talented 17-year-old. This potential deal reflects City’s long-term vision, as they aim to bring in one of Spain’s most promising defensive talents.
Cubarsi has been a regular starter for Barcelona this season, a testament to his exceptional skill and reliability despite his young age. He has already made 14 appearances for the club, during which he has provided one assist.
Statistics from Whoscored highlight his defensive contributions, with an average of 0.7 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, and 2 clearances per game. These numbers illustrate his ability to perform consistently against high-level opposition.
Renowned for his intelligence on the field and physical prowess, Cubarsi excels in positioning and timing his tackles. His defensive awareness allows him to make crucial interventions, while his ability to break opposition lines with precise passing adds another layer to his game.
These qualities make him an attractive prospect for Manchester City, who value players capable of combining technical ability with defensive solidity.
City’s interest in Cubarsi stems not from an immediate need for a center-back but rather from their desire to secure a long-term asset who could develop into a world-class defender.
Pep Guardiola and his staff have been impressed by the youngster’s rapid progress and believe he has the potential to thrive in the competitive environment of the Premier League. Adding him to the squad could further strengthen their defensive depth and provide continuity for years to come.
However, signing Cubarsi won’t be straightforward. Barcelona is determined to retain the promising defender, especially given his importance to the team during a challenging financial period.
Despite their monetary struggles, the Catalan giants are likely to resist offers, recognizing Cubarsi’s potential as a cornerstone of their future. Furthermore, the player himself may prefer to stay in Spain, where he is already thriving and developing under Barcelona’s system.
While Manchester City is ready to make a significant bid to lure Cubarsi to the Etihad next summer, they face stiff competition from Barcelona’s resolve and the player’s potential loyalty to his current club.
Nevertheless, the move reflects City’s ambitious strategy to build for the future by targeting one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
