Barcelona secure agreement for summer transfer of highly-rated Spanish full-back | OneFootball

Barcelona appear to have taken a decisive step in their search for a right-back, with reports from Cule Mania suggesting that an agreement has already been reached with Almeria for Marc Pubill.

The outlet suggests that sporting director Deco has given the green light for the young full-back’s arrival, with only a few minor details left to finalise before the deal is completed.

It is no secret that the Catalan club has been prioritising reinforcements on both flanks, particularly a left-winger and a right-back.

However, given their financial limitations, Barça are expected to allocate more funds towards attacking reinforcements.

Options for the right-back role

For the right flank, Deco has compiled a list of affordable targets, and while bigger names like Andrei Ratiu and Vanderson have been considered, no official negotiations have taken place for either player.

Ratiu, who has impressed with Rayo Vallecano, has a €25 million release clause, though his market valuation is closer to €10 million—an amount Barça would likely not need to pay in full.

MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 21: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is challenged by Marc Pubill of UD Almeria during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and UD Almeria at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Vanderson remains a costly option, and with no progress in talks for him, the club has turned its attention to a more cost-effective solution in Pubill.

What about Pubill?

At just 21 years old, Pubill’s potential arrival could be a significant boost for Barcelona’s defensive depth.

Unlike Ratiu and Vanderson, his signing is expected to be much more affordable, making him a practical option for the club’s financial situation. However, this move could be a setback for Hector Fort, who has struggled to gain Hansi Flick’s trust.

The German coach has not given him consistent playing time, and with Pubill’s potential signing, his role in the squad may become even more uncertain.

It must be remembered that Pubill was linked with Barcelona last summer, but the move did not materialise.

This time, though, the deal seems much closer to completion, and if everything goes as expected, the young defender could soon be wearing the Blaugrana shirt, providing valuable support to Jules Kounde on the right flank.