Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United could leave La Liga giants Atletico and Real Madrid frustrated by sealing a potential £10 million deal for Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda, as reported by Goal.
During his midweek press conference, Valladolid coach Pacheta admitted that he expects to see the Spain U19 international leave the Estadio Jose Zorrilla sooner rather than later. Pacheta’s comments look all the more prothetic now, with Newcastle reportedly closing in on a deal for one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Spanish football expert Fernando Kallas insists that a mid-season move to St James’ Park is almost a ‘done deal’. Fresneda has a £26 million release clause in his contract. But he could be sold for a cut-price fee of £10 million; the 18-year-old ticking plenty of boxes for a Newcastle side prioritising young, up-and-coming talent with potential by the bucketload.
“I think so, Fresneda will be sold,” Pacheta says. “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 coach who needs a right-back, it’s obvious that I’m betting on Fresneda.”
Newcastle United could beat Real and Atletico Madrid to Ivan Fresneda
Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s head of recruitment, was in Spain to watch Fresneda shut down Vinicius Jr during Valladolid’s 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in late-December. The teenager’s oh-so solid display did not go unnoticed by the 14-time European Champions either; Real Madrid see Fresneda as a player ‘who meets all the requirements’ required of a Los Blancos player.
Atletico, Goal adds, have also been tracking Fresneda for over 12 months.
So it speaks volumes about where Newcastle are at right now – from relegation battlers to Champions League chasers in the space of just one year – that Fresneda would choose a move to Tyneside ahead of two established European powerhouses. Sky add that Fresneda is flattered by Newcastle’s interest, and keen on a move to the Premier League.
“If I watch the match against Real Madrid, I see a fantastic player to buy,” Pacheta adds. “Fresneda’s statistics 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’s agent, meanwhile, insists that a big-money move is not a case of ‘too much too soon’.
“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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