Over the past week or so, Wolverhampton Wanderers battled with AC Milan in the race to sign Marc Pubill.
On Tuesday, we covered claims from Italy and Spain that Wolves could finalise a deal for the right-back quickly. It was also indicated the Serie A side had withdrawn from the transfer battle.
Later that day, UD Almería announced they’d reached an agreement with Atlético Madrid for Pubill’s transfer.
Wednesday’s editions of AS and Marca give an insight into how Los Rojiblancos snatched the 22-year-old from Wolves’ clutches.
AS report Vítor Pereira’s side showed strong interest in the defender and even approached his €15m price. However, the Madrid club made a stronger push in the last few hours and found an agreement with Almería.
Atlético’s plan was to improve their right-back options with Jesús Areso, but he left CA Osasuna for Athletic on Tuesday. He shares the same agent as Pubill, and this would have helped Diego Simeone’s side wrap up the operation quickly.
Marca report Premier League club seemed closest to securing his services, but the La Liga club ‘beat Wolves to the punch’.
The Spanish newspaper reports Atlético’s quick efforts were led by their director, Carlos Bucero, who was key in beating Wolves for Pubill’s signature.
They have agreed to pay Almería a fee of €16m plus €4m bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause.
