Within the current priorities for FC Barcelona, the position of right back is one that the club considers to be something they would pursue only after they have made advancements and acquisitions in other positions.
The pivot position, alongside other midfield and offensive acquisitions, takes precedence for Barcelona, with the right-back slot considered to be well covered for now, despite the side possessing no particular specialists for the position.
According to the latest report by SPORT, however, it seems to suggest that Deco sees the position as one that should be given more importance than the club is currently doing so. Moreover, he even has a potential target in sight to bring in.
Ivan Fresneda, current player for relegation-bound Real Valladolid, is an 18-year-old right-back who Barcelona consider a viable option for their right-back woes. The player, despite his tender age, has played a massive role in the first team of Valladolid this season and Barcelona consider his style of play to be one that would fit in well with the Catalan outfit.
Having played 22 La Liga games this season, the player does not exactly lack game fitness and experience, and should have no problem being a solid option for Barcelona come the 2023/2024 season if they decide to bring him in.
Moreover, Barcelona and Deco believe him to be an economically feasible option to pursue as compared to other alternatives like Juan Foyth or Joao Cancelo.
Due to the relegation factor coming into light, the player’s release clause drops to €20 million, with Barcelona hoping on bringing it even lower with the option to now add certain Barca Atletic players into the deal as the subsidiary side has failed to achieve promotion following a loss to Real Madrid’s B team in the playoffs.
As it stands, Fresneda’s agent has confirmed up to 30 teams have inquired regarding the player’s future and there exists interest from the likes of AC Milan, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Atletico Madrid.
The most prominent interest remains that of German outfit Borussia Dortmund, who are a team quite renowned for the acquisition and development of young talents within Europe, and beating them to acquire the player would be the priority for Barcelona once they make up their mind.
