Ivan Fresneda Right-Back of Real Valladolid and Spain runs with the ball iduring the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on January 14, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United has yet to make a move in the January transfer window, but that could change in the next two weeks.
A report from the Daily Mail suggests they’re now seriously considering a move for one of Europe’s hottest talents.
Eddie Howe’s side is on the cusp of something brilliant this season.
Howe has transformed them into a defensive powerhouse, and they are currently in the top four of the Premier League.
They’ve allowed 11 goals this season while keeping the same number of clean sheets.
Nick Pope, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier have transformed the team.
In this transfer window, Newcastle is looking for a replacement for Trippier.
They’ve previously been linked with young West Ham defender Harrison Ashby.
However, the Daily Mail believes Newcastle is pushing to sign Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.
The 18-year-old now looks set to leave the Spanish club in the coming weeks.
Newcastle may face plenty of competition for his signature but could be the perfect next step for the Spaniard.
Newcastle pushing hard to sign Fresneda
There’s been an interesting development in Newcastle’s pursuit of Fresneda in recent days.
The club met with his agent in London and discussed a potential move to the North East.
The ‘fantastic’ defender has played more senior minutes than virtually every other player his age this season.
Only Gavi, Wilson Robert, and Newcastle-linked Youssoufa Moukoko have appeared more than Fresneda.
His manager has been very complimentary about him, but admitted his time at the club could be up.
Valladolid boss Jose Rojo Martin said: “I think Fresneda has few games left with the Real Valladolid shirt.
He is 18 years old, but he does things that people of 30 do.
“If I was at another club, I would go for him without hesitation, his data is brutal and you are not buying the current player, you are buying what he can become in a few years.”
It’s easy to see why Newcastle is now pushing hard to sign Fresneda.
In Trippier, he has the perfect mentor to learn at Newcastle, especially given he also speaks Spanish after his time at Atletico Madrid.
