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Barcelona are looking to recreate the central defensive partnership that guided Spain to World Cup glory this summer, with the club reportedly pursuing a potential transfer for Aymeric Laporte, according to sources in Spain.
Laporte made his return to European football last year following a short stint in Saudi Arabia, having cemented his reputation as one of the world's finest defenders under Pep Guardiola during his time at Manchester City.
Now 32, Laporte demonstrated in North America that he still performs at the highest level, with Spain conceding only once en route to lifting the trophy. It stands as one of the most remarkable World Cup victories in recent history, with La Roja growing stronger as the competition progressed.
Laporte's defensive partner, Cubarsí, received widespread praise for his performances and was a worthy recipient of the Young Player of the Tournament award following an outstanding display in the final. Nevertheless, the Barcelona youngster benefited greatly from Laporte's composure beside him.
The Athletic Club defender was virtually flawless throughout the competition, and the center-back-short Barça are looking to secure a shrewd piece of transfer business.
Barcelona Planning Further Talks with Aymeric Laporte's Representatives
SPORT reports that the consecutive La Liga champions have already made initial contact with Laporte's camp and are set to hold further discussions this week.
Provided the defender is open to the transfer, Barcelona should find this a straightforward deal to complete. Laporte reportedly has a release clause in his Athletic Club contract valued at under €15 million ($17.1 million).
The 32-year-old rejoined Bilbao last summer following a lengthy dispute with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, penning a three-year contract with his former side. He made 25 La Liga appearances during the season and was subsequently included in Luis de la Fuente's World Cup squad.
While his reputation grew significantly during the tournament and looks set to climb further in its wake, it appears Barcelona will face little competition in their pursuit of the seasoned center back.
Hansi Flick is eager to find a new partner for Cubarsí, and no candidate appears better suited than the man who excelled alongside the teenager throughout the summer.
Pau Cubarsí Loves Playing Alongside Aymeric Laporte
While Spain's defensive solidity at the World Cup wasn't solely down to the exceptional performances of their two center backs, there's no question about how effectively Cubarsí and Laporte complemented each other.
Operating within a demanding system not entirely unlike what Cubarsí has experienced over the past few seasons under Hansi Flick, the duo remained unfazed throughout. They were rarely unsettled, executing their defensive interventions with precision and distributing the ball intelligently across the tournament.
Cubarsí clearly relished playing alongside the former Man City star, stating ahead of the final that he felt "comfortable" partnering Laporte.
Reflecting on their partnership, the teenager told TV3 (via Mundo Deportivo): "The World Cup has been the first major tournament in which we've both been in the starting lineup. I've felt very comfortable.
"We've both felt very comfortable. We help each other, we instil confidence in one another, and we make ourselves strong so that we concede as few goals as possible. We're doing well."
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Cubarsí also drew comparisons between Laporte and his previous center back partner, Iñigo Martínez, alongside whom he flourished as Barcelona claimed the domestic treble in 2024–25.
"I've already been told that it looks as though it were Inigo [Martínez]," he said. "They're both Basque, they play on the left, they have very similar profiles, and they've got character."