Only a while ago, Gerard Romero reported that Barcelona had reactivated their pursuit of Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
And now, journalist Alex Pintanel has corroborated those claims, stating that Barça have indeed rekindled their interest in the 18-year-old after the operation had been on ‘standby’ for a while.
Furthermore, Pintanel adds that Fresneda, too, wants to join Barcelona and is uninterested in signing for any other club.
Barcelona need a new right-back as a priority
Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal on Wednesday provided strong evidence for the club’s need for a new right-back.
Both Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto struggled to make an impression against the Gunners and with Jules Kounde set to be deployed at centre-back, the signing of a new right-sided full-back becomes a priority for the Blaugrana.
As such, the option of Fresneda is back on the agenda at Can Barça.
The right-back has not generated total consensus within the club owing to his lack of experience at the highest level as well as his €20 million release clause.
It has been reported that manager Xavi Hernandez is leaning towards signing a more experienced option, whereas sporting director Deco has given his ‘OK’ to sign the Spaniard.
Fresneda wants Barcelona transfer
Fresneda had a solid debut campaign in La Liga last season with Real Valladolid even though the club ended up getting relegated.
His performances drew interest from various clubs across the continent, with Alex Pintanel stating that the teenager has suitors from England, Germany, and Italy.
Despite that, Fresneda has his eyes set on a transfer to Barcelona, so much so that he is understood to have rejected an offer from a different club already as he waits for the La Liga champions.
Apart from the player’s willingness, what would also work in their favour is that his agent, Luis Bardají, has recently partnered with Fali Ramadani, who also represents Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso.
Barça will still likely look to lower Fresneda’s transfer fee as they are not in a position to pay the €20 million fee. But it appears that the 18-year-old is once again a concrete option for the club.
