Wolves transfer news: Vitor Pereira dealt massive blow as Atletico Madrid confirm deal for defender

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers lost out to Atletico Madrid in the race to recruit Almeria defender Marc Pubill.

Vitor Pereira is looking to acquire another right wing-back to his senior squad after Nelson Semedo departed Molineux on a free transfer.

 

According to widespread sources, Pubill, who won an Olympic gold medal with Spain last year, is their top target.

 

Earlier on Tuesday, it was reported that Wolves intended to complete a deal within the next 48 hours, which would have been a big coup for the West Midlands club.

 

Instead, shortly after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that Atletico Madrid had hijacked the deal, the La Liga club officially confirmed it.

Atletico Madrid announce Pubill deal.

Atletico announced an agreement with UD Almería to transfer Under-21 international full-back Marc Pubill.

“The Olympic champion will sign his new contract once he passes the relevant medical examination.”

According to Romano, Atletico will pay €20 million (£17.37 million) to win the race for the 22-year-old, with Almeria retaining a 15% sell-on clause.

Pubill will leave Almeria with two goals and eight assists from 63 appearances across all competitions, 36 of which were in the Spanish second tier season 2024-25.

 

Why is this a major blow for Wolves?

Pereira has not been hesitant about expressing his dissatisfaction with Wolves’ efforts to add players to their first-team roster ahead of the new season.

Not only would securing Pubill’s services be regarded as a coup, but it would also address the remaining concerns at right wing-back.

 

Wolves must now revert to plan B or start from scratch, with Pedro Lima and Ki-Jana Hoever their only options in that area of the pitch.

 

Despite their potential, they are not suitable replacements for Semedo, who was the club captain and brought a wealth of experience to the squad.

Although winger Jhon Arias is still expected to come from Fluminense later this week, Wolves urgently require a statement signing at wing-back on both flanks..