Pau Cubarsí has become a silent reference for Barça due to his impressive evolution in a short time. He is only 18 years old, but it seems like he has been playing for years every time he steps on the field. He combines clean play from the back with a forcefulness that commands respect in every duel.
Cubarsí is one of those talents that appear every many years and define an era. His leadership grows match by match, and his understanding of the game is beyond his age. With him, Barça has found a defensive anchor to rely on for years.

Pau Cubarsí Needs a New Partner
Barça's defense has shown solidity this season, especially on the flanks. The full-backs work wonderfully and have adapted to different styles of play. However, the center of the defense is what raises more questions than certainties.
Iñigo Martínez has provided stability, but his 33 years bring him closer to the end of his stage. Neither Araújo nor Eric García quite fit with Pau Cubarsí's style or Flick's. Therefore, the management began to scour the market in search of the perfect complement.
Barça Seeks the Ideal Partner for Pau Cubarsí
After much analysis, a young, technical, and powerful center-back had been found who fit into all the plans. In the Premier League, a name had emerged that excited Barça's officials. Deco and Laporta pointed to him as the great opportunity to strengthen the future of the defense.
The operation seemed to be progressing well, and everything indicated that it could be one of the great signings of the summer. It was the profile that best understood Pau Cubarsí's game and offered guarantees in the present and the future. But in the last few hours, there has been a twist that has disrupted all the blaugrana plans.
Frustrated Signing
Real Madrid has taken advantage of the moment and has moved ahead in the race for this promising defender. The news has fallen like a cold shower in the culé environment, which saw him getting closer. The Whites needed to strengthen their defense and did not hesitate to target a key Barça objective.
The chosen one is Dean Huijsen, a Dutch center-back who has broken out this season at Bournemouth. He is 19 years old and has a technical ability that allows him to stand out both with the ball and in pure defense. His name has resonated strongly in the major offices of European soccer.
Huijsen Approaches Madrid
Barça considered him the ideal partner for Pau Cubarsí, someone who could share leadership and vision from the backline. Their reports were excellent, and a significant investment was already being considered to secure his signing. But Real Madrid has closed an almost definitive agreement with Huijsen's camp.

The official announcement is expected very soon, perhaps before the end of the season. Huijsen will reinforce a White backline that needs youth and projection for the coming years. Meanwhile, Barça will have to return to the starting point and continue searching for the dreamed partner for Pau Cubarsí.