Pau Cubarsí, at just 18 years old, has earned everyone's respect thanks to his maturity on the field. He stands out for his excellent tactical awareness, speed in interceptions, and a remarkable ability to play the ball out from the back. The youth academy product is, without a doubt, one of the main pillars of Hansi Flick's new Barça.
Alongside him, Iñigo Martínez has performed at a high level after arriving in Barcelona just one season ago. The Basque center-back joined at the express request of Xavi Hernández and has replied with solidity, character, and experience. His understanding with Cubarsí has been one of the keys to Barça's defensive improvement.
However, the sporting management is working intensively to strengthen several lines for next season. Although there is trust in the young players, moves are not ruled out if significant departures occur. Ronald Araújo's and Andreas Christensen's situations are far from solved.
Barça seeks top-level defensive reinforcements amid possible departures in the summer transfer window
With this context on the table, Barça has activated two new operations that have surprised many. We're talking about the real possibility of bringing in two Bayern Munich defenders. Both have been thoroughly analyzed by Flick, who knows their qualities perfectly.
The first on the list is Dayot Upamecano, a French center-back with great physical power and dominance in aerial play. The second is Kim Min Jae, a Korean with excellent anticipation skills and versatility to play in different defensive positions. Both have lost prominence at Bayern, which opens a window of opportunity.
Upamecano and Kim Min Jae appeal to Flick and could arrive at Barça
Upamecano has started in important stretches of the season, but his mistakes in key matches have reduced his status. In Kim Min Jae's case, the South Korean defender arrived as a major signing, but he hasn't fully adapted. Both would be willing to leave in search of playing time, and Barça is seriously considering it.
The arrival of two center-backs would mean direct competition for Cubarsí, who has been undisputed until now. However, sources inside assure that Pau sees it as a challenge to grow and keep improving. Flick wants a solid, balanced defense with rotation to face the demanding schedule.
Bayern Munich needs to lighten its defense and Barça takes advantage of the market opportunity
In the coming weeks, significant progress could be made in these negotiations. Everything will depend on what happens with Araújo and Christensen, who have offers and offers on the table. If either leaves, Barça will make a move for the two Bayern defenders.
With Flick in charge and Deco negotiating, planning is moving forward steadily. The goal is to build a reliable defense without giving up on the youth academy. Cubarsí will remain key, but now he'll have more top-level competition.