TRANSFERS: The reasons for Barça to reactivate interest in Marc Pubill

FC Barcelona continues to scour the market in search of a right-back for next season. In the local market, there are few 'low cost' options available, but one in particular has been making headlines in recent days. It is Marc Pubill, a 21-year-old defender whose contract with Almería expires in 2029.

According to 'Relevo', the '18' of Almería is one of the alternatives that Deco has on the table as a possible replacement for Jules Koundé on the right flank. Barça currently only has Héctor Fort as a natural option for that position, but the Catalan has played very little under Hansi Flick. In this sense, the Blaugrana board seems inclined to incorporate a player with more experience, and Pubill fits the necessary profile.

The Espanyol academy graduate has played for Levante and Almería, participating in a total of 94 matches between both clubs with 4 goals and 6 assists. In the 2024-25 season, his contribution to the Indálico team is summarized in 1 goal and 1 assist in 29 matches (2,149 minutes) across La Liga and the Cup. Despite his height (1.90 m), he is a skillful player with the ball, good with his feet, and very organized in defense. Additionally, he is quick in covering spaces and tends to cover a lot of ground on the right side. 

Almería keeps Marc Pubill's release clause intact

For now, Almería keeps the release clause of the defender intact (40 million euros), although the club was close to accepting Marc's transfer to Atalanta last summer for half that amount. The 'Bergamasque' team offered 15 'kilos' net plus another 5 in variables for the Catalan, who even underwent a medical examination in Italy. However, the negotiation fell apart incredibly when the 'Nerazzurri' insisted on conducting further tests on the player from Terrassa.

The additional examinations detected a supposed injury in the left knee, which was never confirmed, as the 21-year-old player has played the entire 2024-25 season without issues with Rubi Ferrer's team. Now, the defender is solely focused on helping his team return to LaLiga, and regarding the upcoming transfer market, there will be time to wait for offers. Meanwhile, Barça continues to keep an eye on his performances in the Second Division, where he has so far scored 1 goal in 25 appearances (1,866 minutes).