Manchester United have reportedly ‘joined’ the race to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season in Spanish football, having played 11 games so far for Valladolid, and making the joint-most tackles for U21 players in La Liga this season.
He particularly impressed against UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid in December, where Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig hailed his ‘superb performance‘ while highlighting some key areas that he excelled in during the match.
Taking to Twitter, journalist Pete O’Rourke has shared that United have ‘joined’ both Newcastle United and Arsenal in the chase for Fresneda, who he says is regarded as ‘the best young player in Europe in his position’:
“Manchester United have joined Newcastle & Arsenal in the chase to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda. Fresneda is regarded as the best young player in Europe in his position.”
Expanding in his corresponding article with Football Insider, O’Rourke adds that Valladolid are resigned to losing their prize asset, who has a release clause of around £8.8m that could be triggered in January.
United want to provide competition for Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka facing an uncertain future.
TIF thoughts on Fresneda to United…
To get Fresneda now for less than £10m is a no-brainer for the Old Trafford outfit.
Hailed as a ‘remarkably complete right-back‘ by Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown, the Spaniard ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, 96th for clearances and 92nd for interceptions per game of all fullbacks in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef), and has been lauded for his ‘beastly‘ ability to maraud forward and put in crosses from right-back by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita.
Nonetheless, should Wan-Bissaka leave Old Trafford this month, Fresneda would be the perfect replacement for Eric ten Hag’s squad.