Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market so far this summer, having already signed Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez and Oriol Romeu, with a Ԁєɑł for Vitor Roque to join in 2024 having also been finalised.
The reigning LaLiga champions are looking to make further additions, with two positions in particular being focused on: right-back and centre midfield.
The former appears to be more of a priority forBarcelonaat this stage, and with good ɾєɑȿօɴ. It is an area that has been a problem for several years, ever since Dani Alves departed the club for the first time back in 2016.
Barcelona appear to have settled on a particular strategy for their right-back search: a long-term option. They want someone to make the position their own for the next 10+ years, but also someone that can make an impact on the first team immediately.
Ivan Fresneda certainly fits this criteria, andBarcelonahavere-ignited their interestin the 18-year-old, who had an impressive debut season withReal Valladolidin 2022-23, although he was unable to help them avoid relegation from LaLiga.
Barcelona cannot afford to pay Fresneda’s €20m release clause, butSporthave ɾєρօɾτed that they are looking into different ways of being able to sign the teenager, with a lower fee plus add-ons a likely possibility.
Barcelona are looking to open talks withReal Valladolidover the next few weeks in order to sort out a Ԁєɑł. Fresneda is keen to join – especially so considering he has turned down other offers in the hope of heading to Catalonia – so personal terms won’t be an issue.
IfBarcelonacan pull a Ԁєɑł off, it would be a magnificent piece of business. Fresneda showed plenty of promise during his first season in senior football, and atBarcelona, he would only get better, especially as he would be training and playing with higher quality teammates.
Fresneda is adept both defensively and offensively, and he would have little problem in adjusting to Xavi Hernandez’s style of play. He would likely play second-fiddle to Jules Kounde at the start of hisBarcelonacareer, but he should have the chance to make the position his own.
Despite just 18, Fresneda will only get better, and alongside the likes of Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati and Ez Abde, he could become a staple of theBarcelonastarting line-up for many, many years to come.
Even ifBarcelonatake a little bit of short-term pain in terms of finances, they should be looking to get a Ԁєɑł for Fresneda over the line. The long-term benefits definitely will be absolutely worth it.
