Neither Pau Cubarsí nor Eric García will start as soon as they arrive: Barça will pay €40M

Barça is going through a delicate moment in defense. The solidity that in previous seasons characterized the culé team has faded and individual mistakes are costing important points. Hansi Flick has tried different combinations, but the overall level of the backline hasn't convinced anyone within the club.

Eric García and Pau Cubarsí are, for now, the starters

Eric García is, as of today, the only center-back who is performing with some consistency. His tactical maturity, composure on the ball, and good reading of the game have made him a regular in the German coach's plans. However, his performance, although correct, isn't enough to support a defense that has shown too many cracks in recent matches.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsí remains one of the club's greatest hopes. His ball distribution is clean, his anticipation stands out, and his potential is enormous, but occasional mistakes are taking a toll on him. In matches of the highest demand, his lack of experience has become evident, something that is viewed with concern at Camp Nou.

The coaching staff believe that Pau Cubarsí needs a more experienced partner than Eric García to keep growing. That's why the sporting management led by Deco has already started to move ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. The objective is clear: to strengthen the defensive line with a player who can provide immediate guarantees and raise the group's competitive level.

Barça's new starting center-back has a name and surname: Nico Schlotterbeck

The chosen name is Nico Schlotterbeck, current defender for Borussia Dortmund. The German center-back has been on Barça's radar for some time and is especially liked for his character, physical strength, and excellent ball distribution. At 25 years old, he is at the ideal point of maturity to make the leap to a club of FC Barcelona's caliber.

Deco and Hansi Flick agree that Nico Schlotterbeck would be a starter as soon as he arrives in the Catalan capital. His profile fits perfectly with the coach's style, who especially values center-backs capable of starting plays from the back and imposing respect in individual duels. In Germany, he is considered one of the most complete defenders of his generation and his international experience supports this.

Nico Schlotterbeck is very good

Barça is willing to make a significant investment to secure his signing. According to estimates, Nico Schlotterbeck's transfer would be around €40 million, a high figure for the club's current economic situation, but manageable if some sales are completed in the summer. The board believe that signing the German would mean an immediate leap in quality for the defense.

Theoretically, Nico Schlotterbeck would arrive in the Catalan capital to occupy the center of the backline alongside Pau Cubarsí. Therefore, Eric García would have to return to the bench or, failing that, play as a full-back. Koundé is making more mistakes than desired, so the option for Eric to move to the flank when Schlotterbeck arrives is on the table.