FC Barcelona has closed another chapter within its youth academy: a young center-back, with a bright future ahead, has decided to leave. Not due to a lack of talent, but because of something that, deep down, everyone knew: there's not room for everyone. Even less so when one of your own is shining as brightly as Pau Cubarsí.
Cubarsí, owner and leader of the blaugrana future
At 17 years old (17 años), Pau Cubarsí has become a key piece of Barça's first team. His maturity, defensive vision, and personality on the field have convinced everyone. What seemed like a one-off breakthrough has turned into consolidation.
Xavi had already warned about it. Now Hansi Flick has no doubts: Cubarsí is the present and, above all, the future. While that's great news for the club, it has had a side effect.
No room for everyone: the inevitable departure
When a gem secures a spot in the first team, opportunities for others decrease, which is exactly what has happened in this case. Barça's defense is full: Araujo, Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, and Cubarsí. With this scenario, several young players are left in the background.
One of them has made a brave decision: to change leagues, countries, and projects. To bet on playing time, growth, and a new beginning. It's a necessary step when you know that, for now, there's no place for you.
The name leaving: Eman Kospo
The protagonist of this story is Eman Kospo, an 18-year-old (18 años) center-back, one of the most outstanding prospects of the Juvenil A team. During the 2024/25 season, he played 12 matches, three of them in the UEFA Youth League, and earned the respect of the coaching staff. His performance was so good that Hansi Flick invited him to train with the first team.
But Cubarsí's shadow was too big. While one was shining in the first team, the other saw his path filled with obstacles. Fiorentina, alert, didn't hesitate to move quickly.
It's now official: Kospo is joining the Italian club as a defensive reinforcement. He's the second signing for the Tuscans this summer. Barça has included a resale clause in the agreement, which shows that it hasn't completely lost him.
A new challenge in Florence
For Kospo, this is a golden opportunity. At Fiorentina, they believe in his potential and see him as a bet for the future. He'll have playing time, room to grow, and the chance to show what he's worth in a league as demanding as Serie A.
At Barça, many regret his departure, but they understand his decision. Sometimes, it's not about a lack of quality, but about context. With Cubarsí leading the future of the defense, others must look for their path away from Camp Nou.