Barcelona sporting director Deco meets with Ivan Fresneda’s agent
Barcelona coach Xavi reiterated his desire to strengthen the club’s right-back position during his press conference on Thursday. And it seems the club hierarchy is working to ensure the manager gets his man.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Deco met with Iván Fresneda’s agents. The 18-year-old Spanish defender is also being pursued by AC Milan and no deal has been reached between Barca and his current club Valladolid.
As we reported yesterday, Monaco right-back Vanderson has reportedly decided to stay in France for another year to allow for a move to the Camp Nou next season. The Blaugrana can’t finalize this deal this summer due to Financial Fair Play regulations. Vanderson is expected to cost around €30m.
Barcelona are interested in Fresneda
The meeting between Barca sporting director Deco and agent Raul Verdú should officially inform Fresneda about the Catalan club’s interest.
Mundo Deportivo’s report reveals that no offer is likely to be made any time soon but the young right-back hopes to continue his playing career in La Liga.
In addition to AC Milan, Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and London club Arsenal have also expressed an interest.
The right-back remains a problem area for the La Liga champions, who were replaced by Jules Kounde last year. The centre-back has done a good job but Xavi is looking for a talent for the position.
Sergino Dest is back at Barcelona after being loaned to AC Milan last season but the USMNT international has been struggling with his form lately and is expected to leave this summer.
Barca have a number of players who can fill that right-back position, including Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Julián Araujo zu Kounde. But it is clearly an area in need of modernization.
Represented at international level in the U18, U19 and U20 squads, Fresneda made it into the Valladolid first team last season.
Fresneda has built a reputation as a strong tackler with outstanding instincts for a player so young, closing spaces quickly and showing a willingness to go forward. An ideal candidate for Xavi’s system, which requires his full-backs to stick to the line and get into the final third.
Should Barca sign Fresneda this summer, they would still reportedly try to add Brazilian Vanderson to the squad to add more depth and competition.
- Published on 07.06.2023 at 23:30
- Last updated on 06/07/2023 at 23:30