The right-back position is one of the weak links in the FC Barcelona squad, and the club itself is aware of this. However, a new right-back signing this summer will be made only after the club has made moves in other high-priority areas, particularly the midfield.
Still, the Catalan club has identified a number of potential targets, that it can look towards if their finances and time allows. One such player in the club’s sights is Ivan Fresneda, the Real Valladolid right-back.
The player is only 18 years of age, and this was his first season as a first-team player, having been promoted from the lower ranks at Valladolid.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mateu Alemany has already met with the player’s representatives, who offered the player to Barcelona. The Catalans also see the player favorably and believe he can play a role in the squad, but also believe that now is not the time to make a move for him, as the club’s finances and other problems make the move impossible.
Barcelona are not in the market for a full-back right now, but this might be the best opportunity to get a quality player on a low fee. Fresneda’s release clause currently stands at €20 million, but his actual price can be as low as one-half of this amount as Real Valladolid have been relegated from La Liga. His current market valuation is €15 million.
Another problem with his move is that while Xavi and other coaches do see him as a potentially great player, they want a player with experience this summer, one who will contribute to the club’s quest for a major trophy the next season, particularly the Champions League, where experience is highly valuable.
Borussia Dortmund have been very interested in the player, but their operation ended unsuccessfully. Similarly, Atletico Madrid also tried to land the fullback last year, however, the player rejected the Madrid side’s advances and signed a renewal with Valladolid.
Now Atletico are again pushing for his signature, as also are Bournemouth and a host of other Premier League and Serie A clubs. Thus, this is a good opportunity for Barcelona to get a young player on a cut price who has already had a fruitful season in La Liga.
If the club can successfully get its priority targets, making a move for Fresneda makes sense as Barcelona would get a potentially high-quality player who would strengthen the main weakness in Xavi’s squad.
