{
  "id": 31455,
  "title": "Veteran defender targeted by Barcelona valued at €80 million by La Liga outfit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/veteran-defender-targeted-by-barcelona-valued-at-80-million-by-la",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/veteran-defender-targeted-barcelona-valued-060000057.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran centre-back Pau Cubarsi, who was valued at €80 million by his Spanish club Athletic Club, is the subject of Barcelona's interest in strengthening their defense. The Catalan giants, who are also scouting for a new centre-forward, have already shown interest in other top centre-backs such as Alessandro Bastoni and Aymeric Laporte. However, Athletic's firm stance on Laporte's release clause makes any potential transfer a costly affair. Barcelona's sporting director Deco had previously shown interest in Laporte during the World Cup, observing him closely in multiple matches. Despite Laporte's outstanding performances, his valuation and Barcelona's past strained relationship with Athletic Club make a deal unlikely. Real Madrid, too, has expressed interest in Cubarsi, but Barcelona's hesitation to negotiate with Athletic following a previous incident, namely the Nico Williams saga, further deters a move for Laporte.",
  "summary": "Barcelona are reportedly interested in Athletic Club's highly-valued defender, Gerard Laporte, who has been linked with several top European clubs. Athletic Club has put a €80 million release clause on Laporte, a valuation that Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, inquired about during the World Cup. Despite Laporte's impressive performances and partnership with Pau Cubarsi, which helped Spain secure the World Cup title, Athletic Club is not willing to negotiate a lower fee for the 32-year-old defender. Barcelona's previous strained relationship with Athletic Club, exacerbated by the Nico Williams saga, further complicates the potential transfer and makes it unlikely that the club will pursue Laporte. Additionally, Hansi Flick's satisfaction with his current defensive options at Real Madrid may also deter Barcelona from making a move for the veteran defender.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran defender Pau Cubarsi valued at €80 million by Athletic Club.",
    "Barcelona scouting Cubarsi to strengthen defense.",
    "Athletic's firm stance on Laporte's release clause complicates transfer."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}