Pau Cubarsí, the key to opening the market
Barça has a gem in its quarry that can change the club’s plans for the future. This is Pau Cubarsí, the 17-year-old central midfielder who made his debut with the first team this season and who has left everyone speechless with his talent, his personality and his projection. The club is clear that Cubarsí is a safe bet and that he must play an important role in the sports project that will be led by the new coach. This decision may have consequences in the market, as Barça could consider selling one of its central players if an irresistible offer arrives.
The names that could emerge are those of Ronald Araujo, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen, three footballers who have a big poster in Europe and who could report significant income to the club, which needs to clean up its coffers. Araujo is the captain and the point of reference for the defense, but Bayern Munich have him in their sights and could launch an offensive in the summer. Koundé and Christensen have adapted to playing as full-backs, but it is not their natural position and they could look for an exit if offers from Chelsea or other Premier League teams arrive. Barça will have to assess whether or not to accept these proposals, taking into account that they have Cubarsí as a spare guarantee.
Those transferred, a source of income or reinforcements
In addition to the central players in the first team, Barça also has three loan players who could return or generate profits for the club. These are Eric García, Chadi Riad and Clément Lenglet, three defenders who have improved their level this season thanks to their coaches: Míchel, Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery. The three have regained the confidence and prominence they had lost at Barça and are now back in the spotlight.
Eric García is the one who has the most options to return, since Girona has a purchase option that could not be executed if they do not qualify for the Champions League. The Catalan central defender has been one of the leaders of the Montilivi team and has shown that he has the level to play for Barça. Chadi Riad and Lenglet, on the other hand, find it more difficult to return, as Betis and Aston Villa could make their purchase options effective after the good season that the two central players have had. In this case, Barça would enter some money that it could invest in other reinforcements or in reducing its debt.
Todibo, the thorn that has not yet been uprooted
Among all the names that ring for the center of Barça’s defense, there is one that never ceases to surprise. This is Jean-Clair Todibo, the French central defender who arrived at Barça in 2019 and who left for Nice in 2021 for 8.5 million euros plus variables. Barça did not keep any buyback option, but it does have a percentage on a possible future sale. Todibo has had a good season at Nice, where he is an undisputed starter alongside the veteran Dante, and has again shown his interest in returning to Barça in recent statements. The club, however, does not seem willing to take him back, as he has other priorities and does not want to reopen a wound that is still healing.
So, Barça has many options for the center of the defense, but also many doubts. You will have to decide which are the best power plants for your project and which can go out to make cash. What seems clear is that Pau Cubarsí is the club’s great hope and that his role will be key to defining the future of the defensive line.
