Remember how Renato Veiga was set to become the fifth summer signing for Atlético Madrid?
Well, I spoke too soon.
Las cifras del traspaso de Marc Pubill al @Atleti:
— Antonio Martínez (@AntonioMtnzP) July 22, 2025
16 millones fijos.
4 millones en variables.
15% de una futura venta.
Negocio redondo para el @U_D_Almeria @marca @Marcatransfer @medinamarca
Hours after missing out on Athletic-bound Jesús Areso, Atlético reached a €16 million deal for Almería and Spain under-21s right-back Marc Pubill on Tuesday, with incentives possibly pushing the final
fee to €20 million. Almería, where Pubill played for two years, will keep a 15 percent sell-on clause.
Amid interest from Atalanta, AC Milan, and FC Barcelona in the past year, Pubill seemed a day or two from completing a move to Wolves before Atlético announced an agreement with Almería on Tuesday night. Pending medical tests, Pubill will sign a five-year contract and compete with Marcos Llorente at right-back.
Atlético pivoted to Pubill after Areso — the apparent top target at right-back — joined Athletic from Osasuna on Tuesday after Los Leones paid his €12 million release clause. Last week, Atleti tried to take advantage of a stalemate in negotiations between the Basque rivals, but Athletic eventually raised its offer and signed former its former B team stalwart Areso to a six-year contract.
Marc Pubill on IG! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sAnJPcEU9w
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 22, 2025
Pubill, 22, is considered one of Spain’s most promising talents at the position. Born in Terrassa, 35 minutes northwest of Barcelona, Pubill joined Almería from Levante in 2023 and quickly emerged as first-choice at right-back, melding pace, athleticism, and a good eye for a cross in a 6’3’’ frame. He remained with Almería despite suffering relegation in 2024, and he contributed one goal with four assists as the Andalusian side finished a disappointing sixth last season, their season ending in a promotion play-off semifinal loss to Real Oviedo.
On the international stage, Pubill won Olympic gold in Paris last year alongside future Atleti teammates Álex Baena and Pablo Barrios. Earlier this summer, he enjoyed a strong Euro Under-21 on a Spain side that reached the tournament’s quarterfinals. He is yet to debut for the senior team.
Marc Pubill vs Nahuel Molina (24/25)
— DataMB (@DataMB_) July 22, 2025
Compare players https://t.co/McR5zrPSJm pic.twitter.com/T2LpSYYYOg
Assuming he passes his physical, Pubill’s surprise arrival will almost certainly signal the end of Nahuel Molina’s difficult three-year stint at Atlético. Molina has been tenuously linked to a host of clubs, including Juventus; now expendable and occupying a coveted non-EU place in the squad, I would think that director of football Carlos Bucero is close to sorting out a new destination for the much-maligned Argentine.
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