'The whole Kubo episode was the biggest mistake Barca have made in many years'

Coaching staff at La Masia envisgaed Takefusa Kubo defining an era at the club. Now they are saddened to see the promising Japanese player at Real Madrid.

Joan Vilà, the man who guided Xavi and Puyol through the youth ranks and into the senior side, would have had something to say about the young Japanese player.

But Vilà is no longer at Barça and his replacement, Pep Segura, ignored the petitions of Kubo's agents. He considered the operation would cost too much money. 

When Kubo had to leave La Masia, everyone took it for granted that one day he'd be back. But when the time came when Barça could bring him back, they decided not to. They thought he was too expensive.

Maybe costs were higher than expected but let's not forget the millions Barça spent on unknown Dutch players for the B team - including the son of Frenkie de Jong's agent... 

The general consensus within the Barça camp is that: "The whole Kubo episode has been Barça's biggest mistake in a long, long time".

The youngster was blessed with an innate talent but on top of that, had the discipline and work ethic that the Japanese are known for. He was a charming, polite young boy who was motivated and sociable.

All of the coaching staff who had come into contact with Take at Barça's youth academy concurred that the teenager was destined for the first team.