Confirmed, he will be the starter alongside Pau Cubarsí, top signing for €0, Camp Nou celebrates

The main difference between current Barça and last year's team is defensive solidity. This season, Hansi Flick's team is allowing more chances and also conceding more goals, which prevents them from achieving better results. As proof, the Catalans have already conceded 22 goals across LaLiga and Champions League.

However, despite the mini defensive crisis, it's clear that Pau Cubarsí remains the leader of the Catalan backline. However, it's also evident that he urgently needs help to keep FC Barcelona competitive on the biggest stages. His development is ongoing, but he struggles excessively without a solid partner by his side.

Barça knows Pau Cubarsí needs a reliable partner since Íñigo Martínez left

Last year, Pau Cubarsí excelled when he had Íñigo Martínez by his side. With the Basque on the field, the young center-back showed an unbelievable level, worthy of an established footballer at the elite level. Without that experienced figure, his defensive influence has diminished.

For this reason, Barça is determined to find a new partner for Pau Cubarsí as soon as possible. Deco has been analyzing multiple profiles for that position for months, aware of how much importance Flick gives to center-backs in many aspects of the game. Many names have been studied, and with the arrival of the winter transfer window, even more are being considered, but the top favorite has already been decided.

Marc Guéhi, Barça's top favorite to partner Pau Cubarsí

Despite the multiple alternatives the market offers, the number one favorite to be Pau Cubarsí's new partner is Marc Guéhi. The English center-back from Crystal Palace fits in terms of age, physique, competitive personality, and defensive reading. In addition, his performance in the Premier League has caused unanimity within the club's sporting department.

Even so, the most attractive thing for Barça is his contract situation. Marc Guéhihas a contract that ends on June 30, 2026, which would allow them to sign him for free if he doesn't renew. Deco wants to get ahead and start negotiating directly with the player from January 1, 2026.

If Deco moves quickly, Barça can close Marc Guéhi's signing before other major European clubs fully enter the race. Pau Cubarsí would finally have a reliable partner to compete head-to-head with the best strikers on the world stage. The Camp Nou fans, in need of new idols, will surely celebrate this news enthusiastically: Guéhi is very close to becoming a culé.