Real Valladolid coach Pacheta believes Ivan Fresneda ‘will be sold’ as Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United close in on a deal for the £10 million-rated La Liga wonderkid, speaking via DAZN.
There were plenty of eyes on the 18-year-old right-back when Valladolid hosted Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in December; Spanish football returning following the World Cup break.
Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s head of recruitment, was even in the crowd to take a closer look at a player who, during a superb breakthrough campaign in La Liga, has caught the eye of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Juventus, Barcelona and more (Chronicle).
The smart money, however, is on Fresneda donning black-and-white stripes.
“I heard the coach and his team-mates are already saying goodbye to him,” Spanish football expert Fernando Kallas tells Sky Sports. “Because it’s fairly a done deal that he’s going to Newcastle.”
Newcastle United close to signing Ivan Fresneda from La Liga outfit Real Valladolid
And if those reports turn out to be true, and the teenager is on his way to St James’ Park, Pacheta’s rather honest appraisal of Fresneda’s future at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla will start to feel even more prothetic.
“I think so. Fresneda will be sold,” Pacheta admits.
“But I have no information on the matter. Ivan is 18 and does things (more like a ) 30-year-old. I would have no doubts (about signing him). If I put myself in the shoes of another coach who needs a right-back, it’s obvious that I’m betting on Fresneda.
“If I watch the match against Real Madrid, or any other match, I see a fantastic player to buy. Today, we are inundated with statistics and Fresneda’s are crazy. All these characteristics make me doubt my ability to keep him here.
“I would like to, but I know the needs of the club.”
Fresneda, a Spain U19 international, has a £26 million release clause in his contract. According to the Daily Mail, Valladolid may be willing to accept a fee of just £10 million from Newcastle.
Fresneda was outstanding for much of that Madrid clash, limiting the influence of Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr. His representative, meanwhile, is in no doubt about the youngster’s ability to make the step up to an elite-level club.
“He’s having a great season and he has improved a lot. All the opponents find it difficult to face Fresneda,” the teen’s agent explains.
“He is strong, fast, skilled in both phases (attack and defence), and very good at providing assists to his team-mates. He is only eighteen years old, but he is already very mature for his age. Fresneda is ready and up to par for a (big club).”
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