The rise of Marc Pubill at Atletico Madrid has become a major talking point in La Liga, leaving Barcelona to wonder what might have been.
The 22-year-old Catalan defender, once a top target for the Blaugrana, has transformed into a dominant center-back under Diego Simeone.
The Tactical Transformation
Originally a right-back, Pubill joined Atletico from Almeria for €16 million. However, his development in Madrid has defied expectations.
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New Role: Simeone’s staff shifted Pubill to the center of the defense, a move that has unlocked his full potential.
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Key Traits: His blend of raw physical strength, recovery speed, and high-level game reading has allowed him to handle elite attackers with ease.
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World Cup Buzz: With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Spanish analysts now view him as a serious candidate for Luis de la Fuente’s national squad.
Barcelona’s Missed Opportunity
Barça’s frustration stems from the fact that Pubill was in their “orbit” for years, dating back to his youth days at Espanyol.
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The “What If”: Club insiders believe Pubill would have been the perfect long-term partner for Pau Cubarsí, creating a young, homegrown defensive spine.
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Financial Barrier: While Barça hesitated, Atletico acted. Now, Pubill’s release clause sits at €80 million, a figure that reflects his status as one of Europe’s most promising defenders rather than just a future prospect.
Market Reality
Atletico Madrid has no intention of letting their new defensive pillar leave.
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The “Untouchable” Status: The club is reportedly working to “armor” his contract even further to ward off Premier League interest.
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The Future: At just 22, he is no longer considered a “talent for the future” but a consolidated reality in the Spanish top flight.