FC Barcelona has had to give up on one of the deals it had practically wrapped up in this transfer market. The target was Marc Pubill, the young right-back who was standing out at Almería. However, the signing has ultimately fallen through for good, the player has already been announced as a new addition for Atlético de Madrid, and at Camp Nou they're already looking for someone to blame.
Joan Laporta is not happy with what happened. The blaugrana sporting management had the deal very well on track for weeks. Marc Pubill was a direct request from Hans Dieter Flick, the German coach wanted to strengthen the right flank with a footballer for the future, physical and with offensive projection. The Catalan player fit that profile, but in the end, it was the Colchonero club that won the race for his signing.
From within the Culé club, it is claimed that the main reason was financial, although Barça viewed Pubill's signing positively, his price skyrocketed in the last few hours. Almería demanded more than Laporta and Deco were willing to offer. Especially considering that the deal for Marcus Rashford was already very advanced and was tying up a large part of the budget.
Barça loses Pubill
The English striker will arrive on loan from Manchester United, a deal that won't be cheap, even though it's a loan. Barça will take on a significant part of the striker's salary. Rashford is one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League, although he has agreed to slightly lower his wages, his arrival forces the club to prioritize resources.
This move has had direct consequences. The investment that was being reserved for Marc Pubill has ultimately been used to finalize the signing of the Englishman. Barça believes that the priority must be goals, after an inconsistent season in the offensive department. Hansi Flick believes that Rashford can be key to changing that dynamic.
No room for the right-back Flick wants
The right-back will have to wait, now the club is working on more affordable alternatives. They are not ruling out turning to the reserve team or signing a veteran who arrives on a free transfer. Pubill, meanwhile, has already signed with Atlético de Madrid and will be direct competition for Nahuel Molina at the Metropolitano. A quick and effective operation by Carlos Bucero.
At Barça, there has been some discontent leaked regarding the turn of events. Joan Laporta trusted he could strengthen all areas of the team. But the adjustment with Financial Fair Play remains an obstacle. Rashford's arrival was an unmissable market opportunity, but it has left out a talent for the future like Marc Pubill.
FC Barcelona strengthens its attack but loses a right-back, Atlético, meanwhile, gets a young player with potential who was on the Culé agenda. Everything suggests that this story will continue to make headlines. Because Laporta's anger is not about losing Pubill, but about how everything has been handled internally.