The highly-rated and in-demand player was courted by Chelsea and Spurs
03:00, 19 May 2026
Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona celebrates after defeating Real Madrid
View 3 Images
Pau Cubarsi celebrates after Barcelona defeated Real Madrid earlier this month(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Chelsea and Tottenham were reportedly chasing Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi, before he had a staggering release clause inserted into his contract. Any team now attempting to prise the highly-rated youngster from the Spanish giants would have to fork out an incredible £435million (€500m).
The eye-watering clause was put in place after the player signed his first professional contract with the Catalan giants in May 2024, following his move to Barca from Girona in 2018.
Chelsea were reportedly eager to secure Cubarsi before he signed a pro deal, with Spanish media claiming they had 'pushed to sign' him in the summer of 2023. Spurs also reportedly showed interest when his release clause was a somewhat less frightening £13m.
Initially, reports suggested that Cubarsi's buyout clause was expected to be £879m (€1billion). The finalised release clause for the talented defender came in shy of that at £435m but it doesn't look like the Blues or Spurs will be back in for the defender any time soon.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
In February, the centre-back signed a contract extension until June 2029, with the off-putting clause still firmly in place. Cubarsi, who turned 19 in January, has established himself as a key player for Barca since gaining promotion to the first team.
He made his professional debut for Barcelona B in 2023 and was promoted to the first team in January 2024 under former coach Xavi. The defender has continued to flourish under manager Hansi Flick, making 48 appearances this season as Barcelona won La Liga, his second top-flight title with the club.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: (L-R) Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona, Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona celebrating 2-0 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Pau Cubarsi has been a standout for Barcelona this season(Image: David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Cubarsi won his first cap for Spain in March 2024 and was part of the team that won gold at the Paris Olympics. Release clauses are mandatory in Spain and have been for around 40 years.
This is due to player welfare rights. They also prevent a club from holding onto a player against their will and It's reported that Jude Bellingham has a staggering £879m clause at Real Madrid, while Barca star Pedri has the same jaw-dropping figure in his contract.
Pau Cubarsi has made an impressive start to his Barcelona career
View 3 Images
Pau Cubarsi has made an impressive start to his Barcelona career(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
With former Spanish international Xabi Alonso now at the helm of Chelsea, hopes that he could perhaps reignite the Blues' interest, and convince his young compatriot to join his Stamford Bridge revolution, may be in the backs of some fans' minds.
However, if Barcelona's recent statement on Cubarsi is anything to go by, it's indeed a long shot. "It was clear that Cubarsi was a special player from that moment onwards," Barcelona said in a statement earlier this year.
"Not only is he a resolute defender, which goes with the territory, but he reads the game very well and can play line-breaking passes worthy of the best midfielders. Cubarsi is 100% Barca, and he is set to remain so for many years more."
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Article continues below
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.