Manchester United tracking latest academy player to break into Barcelona first-team

It is well-documented that La Masia youth academy is one of the best in football. Regularly churning out talent for Barcelona, we as Manchester United reporters often find these academy products linked with moves to Old Trafford.

This one – if it materialises – may have a Gerard Pique feel to it because he is talented. It’s just a shame that the timing was wrong for Pique at United.

Yet another youngster from the club’s framed youth system has impressed when called upon to take a prominent role with the senior team. This time it was 17-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsi.

“It’s one of these players for life, another one that comes from La Masia,” veteran Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto told AP News. “When we say that this club is more than a club, it’s because of things like this, because of this belief in the home-grown players.”

United shares these traditions when it comes to youth players and giving them opportunities to break into the first team. Just look at Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in recent times, but the prospect of pipping Barcelona’s best talent is always an exciting one.

Cubarsi impressed again during the week when he kept Victor Osimhen quiet as Barcelona knocked Napoli out of the Champions League. He made a good account of himself for a 17-year-old.

According to Sport, United are among a list of clubs interested in Cubarsi. The others include Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.

Cubarsi’s contract runs until 2026, but his release clause is thought to be in the region of €10m-15m. That would represent a bargain deal for a club like United – in search of defensive reinforcements – this summer.

Cubarsi called up to Spain national team

The youngster has earned his first senior call-up to the men’s Spanish national team for their international friendlies against Colombia and Brazil this month.

Cubarsi has featured in 23 matches across all competitions this season and provided an assist in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 win against Unionistas.

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