Barcelona has announced that 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí has extended his contract until 2027, with a staggering release clause of €500 million ($536 million).
The decision comes after Cubarsí’s rapid rise in the first team, prompting the club to secure his services with a new deal.
Initially signing his first professional contract with Barça just last year, Cubarsí’s impressive performances in 2024 attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, who were eyeing his previous release clause of around €10 million ($10 million).
However, sources close to the club remained confident that Cubarsí would stay, given his significant role within the squad.
Cubarsí made his debut for the first team at the age of 16 in January and has since become a regular starter alongside Ronald Araújo in central defence.
His emergence has pushed experienced players like Iñigo Martínez and Andreas Christensen into different roles within the team.
With 20 appearances across all competitions, Cubarsí’s standout performance came in the Champions League round-of-16 win against Napoli in March, where he was awarded the MVP.
Sources close to the coaching staff have praised his maturity and composure, particularly in possession, since his debut.
His impressive displays have also earned him two caps for the Spanish national team, and he is expected to feature in the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer.
Cubarsí’s journey with Barcelona began in 2018 when he joined the club as an 11-year-old after spending four years at Girona.
Progressing through the ranks of La Masia, he made his debut for Barça Atlétic earlier this season before earning a regular spot in first-team training.
Under Xavi’s management, Cubarsí is one of several young talents to have broken through this season, alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal (16), Hector Fort (17), and Marc Guiu (18), showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing its youth talent.