Cup Clash Preview: How Barcelona Missed Spain’s Rising Star and Atlético Secured Him
11 February 2026
Transfer Saga
Barcelona reportedly attempted to sign one of Atlético Madrid's current players during the summer 2024 window, before he joined Atlético for 12 million euros last year.
The Blaugrana are now preparing to face their heavyweight opponents tomorrow in a single leg semifinal of the Copa del Rey, at the Riyadh Metropolitano stadium.
According to Sport, the Spanish right back Mark Pobill, then with Almeria, was Barca's target in 2024, but wage bill constraints and the player's price tag scuttled the deal.
Atlético Madrid moved quickly last summer and secured Pobill for a fixed 12 million euros plus variables, signing him to a five year contract.
Player Profile
Pobill, 22, helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris 2024, beating France 5-3 in the final, and is praised for his physical strength, attacking instinct and a 190 cm frame.
Match Preview
On the other side, the clash will feature the two clubs in the cup context, with Barcelona hoping to mount a comeback in the second leg.
The preview package highlights both clubs with their crests, setting the stage for a tense cup showdown.
PUNCHLINE: If Barca were a movie, the sequel would be Transfer Window The Return of the Offer That Didn’t Fit.
PUNCHLINE 2: And if you can’t buy him, borrow the referee’s whistle; oops, that would be a foul too.
