Pep Guardiola has once again turned his eyes toward FC Barcelona, and this time, the Manchester City boss is preparing a bold move to bring two of the Catalan club’s brightest talents to the Etihad Stadium. According to El Nacional, Guardiola is targeting winger Raphinha and 18-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsí as part of his plan to rebuild and refresh his squad after a season that fell short of expectations.
After failing to dominate all competitions like in previous years, Guardiola is convinced that key reinforcements are needed both in attack and defence. And when it comes to talent, few clubs produce more than Barcelona. The plan isn’t random—Raphinha and Cubarsí are viewed as ideal fits for the kind of team Guardiola wants to shape for the future.
Raphinha has earned praise for his pace, creativity, and commitment in crucial games. Though he hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter, the Brazilian has made the most of his opportunities and impressed in big matches. Guardiola is particularly attracted to his versatility—able to operate on either flank and contribute both offensively and defensively.
Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsí has emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe. Despite his age, he’s displayed remarkable maturity, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness. His meteoric rise into the Barça first team has stunned many, and he’s now a regular starter at just 18 years old.
Guardiola, known for his ability to nurture young talent, sees Cubarsí as a long-term solution to solidify City’s backline. With Aymeric Laporte gone and questions around other defensive options, adding a young, technically gifted centre-back makes perfect sense.
But landing these two won’t be easy. Barcelona has made it clear that neither player is for sale. Both Raphinha and Cubarsí are seen as key parts of the project being built under new manager Hansi Flick. In fact, Raphinha is reportedly in line for a contract extension until 2029, while Cubarsí has been labelled “untouchable.”
The young defender is considered part of a core group of non-transferable players alongside other academy gems like Pedri and Gavi. Barcelona’s renewed focus on youth development and long-term planning makes it unlikely they’ll let go of such a promising figure.
Adding to the complexity is Barcelona’s improving financial situation. Unlike in recent years, the club is no longer desperate to sell players to balance the books. That gives them leverage to reject even massive bids from foreign clubs.
While Guardiola still maintains a strong connection with his former club and many of its staff, that won’t help much when it comes to negotiations. Manchester City can offer enormous fees and high wages, but Barcelona’s commitment to their future stars might outweigh the financial incentive.
Sources close to Raphinha suggest the player is happy in Barcelona and eager to renew his deal. He’s found consistency and believes he still has more to offer in La Liga under Flick’s system. His role in the team continues to grow, and he seems focused on staying.
Cubarsí’s camp has been even more direct: the youngster wants to succeed at Barcelona and become a defensive leader for years to come. Moving abroad at such a young age isn’t on the table at the moment.
Even so, City is expected to keep pushing. Their sporting department is actively scouting options to refresh the squad, and Guardiola sees this summer as an opportunity to evolve and stay competitive. If he insists on these two names, the Premier League champions could come knocking with serious offers.
The Premier League’s pull remains strong, offering big money and constant competition for the highest honours. But emotional ties to Barcelona and the vision Flick is implementing may be enough to keep Raphinha and Cubarsí in Catalonia.
For now, Guardiola may have to admire from a distance as Barcelona moves to secure the futures of its top talents. One thing is certain—the interest won’t go away quietly, and the transfer window could turn into a tug-of-war between two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Can Guardiola convince his former team to release two of their rising stars? Or will Barcelona, now stronger on and off the pitch, resist the pressure from England? This summer’s transfer saga is just beginning.
