Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning a bold move to bring two of Barcelona’s standout players—Raphinha and Pau Cubarsí—to Manchester City, as part of his strategy to revamp the squad following a disappointing season. According to El Nacional, Guardiola views the experienced Brazilian winger and the highly-rated 18-year-old central defender as the perfect reinforcements to strengthen both the offensive and defensive aspects of his team.
Raphinha has impressed Guardiola with his adaptability on the field, his exceptional speed, and his ability to deliver strong performances in high-stakes matches. On the other hand, Cubarsí has drawn admiration for his calmness under pressure, deep tactical understanding, and surprising maturity for his age, making him one of the most exciting young defensive talents in European football.
Nevertheless, Barcelona has made it clear that they are not willing to part ways with either player. Both Raphinha and Cubarsí are considered key components of new head coach Hansi Flick’s long-term vision for the team. The club is already planning to extend Raphinha’s contract until 2029, signaling their commitment to keeping him. Meanwhile, Cubarsí is regarded as untouchable—on par with other young stars such as Pedri and Gavi—highlighting his importance to Barcelona’s future.
Additionally, Barcelona’s recent improvements in financial stability have given them the strength to turn down even generous offers, reducing the likelihood of any transfer. Despite Guardiola’s strong interest in acquiring the two players, all signs currently point to a difficult and possibly unsuccessful attempt by Manchester City to lure them away from Camp Nou.
