Newcastle United may have received a boost in their pursuit of Ivan Fresneda on transfer deadline day.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the transfer insider revealed in a recent Twitter post that, despite Real Valladolid’s desperate desire to keep the right-back beyond this evening’s transfer deadline, an interested party could still complete a deal for the 18-year-old in the next few hours.
This will come as a huge relief to Eddie Howe and Newcastle, as the Magpies have been heavily linked with a January move for the Spain U19 international, despite LaLiga reportedly demanding that the defender’s €30 million (£27 million) release clause be met in order for him to leave the club this winter.
Regarding Fresneda’s future, Romano said: “Ivan Fresneda situation. Real Valladolid, is convinced to keep the player on Monday – but there could be some change in the final hours of the market as clubs are still trying to reach an agreement now for season 23/24. One to follow until the end of the day.”
“Very special talent”
Considering just how exciting a prospect Fresneda has very much proven himself to be this season, it is not difficult to understand why Howe would be interested in a deal to bring the youngster to St. James’ Park.
Indeed, over his 10 LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £7m-rated talent has “burst onto the scene” – in the words of Scouted Football – helping his side keep one clean sheet, in addition to making an average of 2.9 tackles – the joint third-most in the league – 1.3 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and winning 4.8 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per game.
The 18-year-old has also impressed in an attacking capacity, creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of one key pass, playing 2.1 long balls, and finding his man with 0.4 crosses per match.
These results have seen the £2.7k-per-week wonderkid average a simply fantastic Sofascore match rating of 6.99, placing him as Valladolid’s fourth-best performer in Spain’s top flight.
Unsurprisingly, these performances have earned the teenager a lot of praise, none more so than from ESPN UK editor David Cartlidge, who said of the full-back in a tweet earlier this month:
“Fresneda is a very special talent and any club will be lucky to sign him. He’s like a CM playing fullback. Just over 6ft tall, athletic, and above all, great with the ball at his feet.”
As a result, given Fresneda’s impressive performances in Spain this season, it’s easy to see why Howe would be interested in bringing in the Spanish sensation this month – with the prospect of bringing in the defender in the final stages of the January window sure to be a thrilling one for everyone involved with the Magpies.
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