Newcastle United signing Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda in the January transfer window is a ‘possibility’, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Magpies are believed to be one of several clubs from across the continent who are closely monitoring the 18-year-old’s progress following an impressive start to the season.
Newcastle United transfer news – Fresneda
Last month, Spanish outlet AS claimed that a ‘frantic race has broken out’ to secure Fresneda’s signature amongst clubs in the Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1.
It’s believed that the right-back’s contract contains a clause that means his minimum fee release clause is now set at €30 million (£27m) after he made six first-team appearances for his boyhood club.
The likes of AS Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool are all said to have scouted Fresneda this season.
However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Spain Under-19 international’s situation, claiming that Newcastle, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund are leading the race.
Romano also stated that Eddie Howe’s charges have ‘already had first contact’ over Fresneda, sparking hope that a potential deal could be on the cards.
What has Jones said about Fresneda?
When asked by GMS if there’s a chance Fresneda could join Newcastle in the winter window, Jones disclosed that there is and that he would be ‘very intrigued’ by the project being led by the Saudi PIF at St. James’ Park.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “It’s a possibility. He’s had a lot of interest from all over Europe and Newcastle have made a good case from what I understand.
“Obviously, they do offer good prospects at the moment. They’re in a very healthy league position, and I think a lot of players would be very intrigued by the project that’s already underway under Eddie Howe.”
Would Fresneda be a good signing?
Fresneda has very limited experience at senior level, so spending £27m on him would be a risk, but he has shown great potential in his nine appearances for Valladolid this season.
As per FBref, the teenager has ranked in the 99th percentile for tackles, 98th for clearances, and 93rd for interceptions amongst his positional peers over the last year.
With first-choice right-back Kieran Trippier set to turn 33 at the start of next season, Fresneda could be viewed as the ideal heir by the Newcastle hierarchy.
Whether Howe and director of football Dan Ashworth can fend off the competition for his signature remains to be seen, but Fresneda certainly appears to be an exciting prospect.
News Now – Sport News
About Author
