He comes before Marcus Rashford, Barça's top signing priority, and he is better than Pau Cubarsí.

The arrival of Marcus Rashford at Barça has been one of the major moves of the season and a high-caliber bet by the sporting management. The English striker has quickly fit into Hansi Flick's system, providing dribbling, goals, and a notable offensive presence. His adaptation has been positive, so much so that Deco and Flick are already considering paying the €30 million they agreed with Manchester United to keep him at Camp Nou.

For the sporting director, Marcus Rashford fits the desired profile and knows that, for that price, it will be difficult to find a better winger. Flick, meanwhile, feels the same way. However, even though Rashford has made an immediate impact in Barcelona, the reality is that the Catalan club has another priority for next season.

Marcus Rashford already knows: the priority is Pau Cubarsí's new partner

It's clear that keeping Marcus Rashford would be great news for Barça, but with Lamine, Raphinha, and Roony on the roster, that might be more than enough. That's why, despite the English striker's prominence, the club is clear that this is not the first issue they must address in their sporting planning. The priority is to find a teammate who can help and boost Pau Cubarsí.

Hansi Flick wants another center-back who can immediately compete with Eric García and Ronald Araújo for a starting spot. Since the unexpected departure of Iñigo Martínez to Arabia, Pau Cubarsí has been struggling more than expected (más de lo esperado): he needs help. The Catalan club knows this and, barring a major surprise, they will strengthen the backline for the 2026 season with the arrival of a new central defender.

Marc Guéhi, the favorite to partner Pau Cubarsí

The name that convinces the offices the most is Marc Guéhi, current center-back for Crystal Palace. The English defender has caught the attention of half of Europe for his solidity, leadership, and ability to solve difficult situations with astonishing ease. At 25 years old, he is considered one of the best center-backs in the Premier League.

Marc Guéhi hasn't renewed his contract with Crystal Palace, which has caught Barça's attention. His contract expires in the summer of 2026 and, if he doesn't sign before then, he could arrive at Camp Nou as a free agent. The opportunity is so clear that the technical department considers him a strategic signing, especially since he is a player whose market value is around €50 million.

With Marc Guéhi partnering Pau Cubarsí, the team would improve significantly in terms of defensive solidity. As if that weren't enough, the fact that he could arrive for free doesn't close the door to Marcus Rashford's continuity. Still, first things first, and the English striker knows it: he will have to wait for the club to secure the new center-back if he wants to keep playing for Barça.