Barcelona ‘panicked’ by Manchester City interest in star defender due to ‘discreet termination clause’

Manchester City have struck fear within Barcelona officials after identifying Pau Cubarsi as a potential transfer target.

The 17-year-old centre-back is the latest Barcelona youngster to be linked with a potential exit from the Catalonian heavyweights, as European clubs continue to weigh up possible transfer opportunities as a result of the La Liga side’s dismal financial situation.

Manchester City and Barcelona have done a series of recent deals, with Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo both swapping the Etihad Stadium for the Camp Nou last summer, meanwhile Ferran Torres left the Sky Blues in January 2021 for €55 million.

Cancelo completed a season-long loan switch to the La Liga club following a rumoured training ground bust-up last year, however Barcelona’s expected inability to finance a permanent deal could open up the opportunity for a swap deal.

Manchester City have been linked with several members of the Barcelona squad in the past, and teenage defender Pau Cubarsi is reportedly the latest player to have caught the eye of Etihad officials.

The 17-year-old, who is currently contracted at Barcelona until 2026, has made eight La Liga appearances for Xavi’s side so far this season and has also featured twice in the Copa del Rey.

Cubarsi has also played in UEFA Youth League fixtures for the Barcelona academy this campaign.

Manchester City’s interest in the teenager has sparked ‘panic’ within Barcelona according to a Sport report replayed by Sport Witness, with officials frantically trying to renegotiate the defender’s contract in a last-gasp attempt to fend of the Premier League side’s approach.

Barcelona are notably fearful due to a ‘discreet termination clause‘ within the teen’s contract, allowing Cubarsi to potentially leave the Camp Nou for a ‘low’ fee this summer.

Manchester City are one of a number of admirers of the defender, although it is unclear whether any future move would see the centre-back move to the first-team or the City Football Academy.

The Sky Blues’ multi-club links across Europe via the City Football Group could also provide an attractive loan option for Cubarsi, should City make an official approach.