Barcelona had the chance to sign Marc Pubill for just €5 million in 2023, but opted for the experience of Joao Cancelo instead.
Two years later, the decision looks increasingly significant as the former Levante full-back has developed into an established Atletico Madrid and Spain player.
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According to SPORT, Pubill was already on Barcelona’s radar when he was 20 and playing for Levante.
The club’s sporting department liked his profile, but former manager Xavi Hernandez’s side wanted a more experienced solution at right-back and waited for Cancelo to become available from Manchester City.
Pubill subsequently joined Almeria for the same €5m fee and has since seen his market value rise considerably.
Barcelona’s opportunity came at a time when Levante needed to generate income.
Barcelona passed on the opportunity to sign Pubill twice. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
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Pubill had impressed as a young right-back and was already representing Spain at Under-21 level, making him an attractive long-term option.
However, Barça chose patience over committing to the youngster. Cancelo eventually forced through a loan move from Manchester City and arrived in the final hours of the 2023 summer transfer window.
That decision changed Pubill’s career path. He moved to Almeria for €5m, with Levante also retaining 20 per cent of a future capital gain.
The full-back then spent two seasons developing there before attracting considerably greater interest.
Notably, Barcelona had another opportunity a year later.
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When Pubill’s proposed €16m move to Atalanta collapsed, Barça explored a different route.
Marc Pubill could have played for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The club attempted to bring him in on a paid loan with an option to buy, an arrangement that could have generated around €12m for Almeria across two seasons.
The deal ultimately failed to materialise, while Pubill remained at Almeria for another campaign in the second division. Notably, the player had given his approval to joining Barcelona, but it did not happen.
Barcelona eventually stepped away from the race, with Jules Kounde established at right-back and other areas taking priority.
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Atletico Madrid moved decisively in 2025, signing Pubill for €12m plus €7m in potential variables, and his subsequent development has only increased the significance of Barcelona’s earlier decision.
Fast forward, his valuation has risen to €50m (Transfermarkt), while Pubill has become an important player for Diego Simeone and a regular with Spain.
