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Manchester City dealt transfer blow amid pursuit of teenage star: report

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of one talent who may be out of reach in the near future

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester City have been dealt a substantial blow in their pursuit of Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi.

The 17-year-old is the next prospect fresh from the Catalan production line and has already impressed during his debut season in the first-team.

Cubarsi has made nine La Liga starts so far this season and even made his maiden bow in the Champions League during Barcelona's 3-1 win over Napoli earlier this month.

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With Pep Guardiola known to be a huge fan of the teenage defender, City have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on his progress. According to the latest from Spanish publication Marca, Barcelona are preparing a huge contract offer in order to tie down the 17-year-old's long-term future.

Due to him being under the age of 18, Barca have not yet been able to present Cubarsi with a reasonable offer due to laws in Spain. With his birthday not until January 22, Manchester City have been aware of the current problems facing the Catalan giants and are said to have drawn up their terms.

The report also states how both the defender and his family have told Sporting Director, Deco, that they wish to commit to a lengthy deal in the not-so-distant future.

Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks on the phone prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on February 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona sporting director Deco is said to be trying to tie down Pau Cubarsi. (Image credit: Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

"He doesn't get nervous," said Barcelona boss Xavi on Cubarsi's progress this season. "He has a very calm personality. The release of the ball with him is brutal. He has the calmness to generate attacking plays, it is a spectacle to see him.

"We must be proud of the work of La Masia. When he has the ball, my heart rate doesn't go up. I'm calm. He plays with sense. He's wonderful. He's a very rational boy. With a very well-equipped, slow-paced brain... he asks us for videos, to improve... his interest in improving makes him better every day.

"We are facing a wonderful emergence for Barcelona and Spanish football."

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Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.