The signing that got away from FC Barcelona and is now shining in LaLiga

Marc Pubill has become one of the standout names of the season in LaLiga. The young Catalan defender has made a huge competitive leap since joining Atlético de Madrid, surprising even the most optimistic.

What seemed like a future bet has turned into an immediate reality at the Metropolitano. At FC Barcelona, they are regretting the level of this young footballer.

From promising full-back to elite center-back

Marc Pubill was signed by Atlético de Madrid from Almería for 16 million euros. In his previous stage, he stood out as a right-back, but since his arrival in the capital, he has undergone a decisive tactical transformation.

The coaching staff has chosen to position him in the heart of defense, and the result has been immediate. His physical power, speed in tackling, and ability to defend wide spaces have enabled him to adapt naturally to a more demanding position in terms of defensive reading.

At 22 years old, he already competes effectively against top-level forwards, and many believe that his presence in the upcoming World Cup squad for Spain is highly likely.

A clause that is starting to worry

Pubill's explosion has not gone unnoticed. His release clause is set at 80 million euros, a significant figure but one that is starting to seem attainable for major European clubs.

Atlético is aware that the market could activate at any moment. The player's growth has been so rapid that his sporting value exceeds even the initial expectations.

The red and white club trusts in securing him as a fundamental piece of their defense for the next decade, but they also know that the summer could bring unexpected movements.

Regret in Barcelona

At FC Barcelona, they observe his evolution with some frustration. Pubill had been on the radar of the Catalan club since his formative years at Espanyol's academy, but the definitive move never materialized.

In Barcelona, there is a belief that he would have fit perfectly as a partner to Pau Cubarsí in the center of defense, forming a young duo with long-term potential.

The regret is evident, and it is not ruled out that Barcelona may consider a future offensive, although the operation would be extremely complex. Atlético has no intention of facilitating his departure.

Marc Pubill is no longer a promise; he is a consolidated reality. And his name is set to make an impact on the market in the coming years. At Atlético de Madrid, they are rubbing their hands together.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje que se le escapó al FC Barcelona y que ahora brilla en LaLiga