Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Iván Fresneda to Elland Road in the January transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following an extremely impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign, Leeds, Wolverhampton Wanderers and a number of other unnamed Premier League clubs are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Real Valladolid right-back ahead of launching a potential move in January.
The report goes on to state that, with the 18-year-old possessing a €10m (£8.5m) release clause last summer, Atletico Madrid were put off a move for the Spain U19 international, however, now the defender has featured in six first-team matches, this clause has risen to a figure believed to be in the region of €30m (£26m).
Finally, it is claimed that the Whites and Wolves have ‘already moved’ for Fresneda in a bid to get ahead of the competition for the right-back’s signing, while a number of other clubs are believed to be ‘considering’ an approach for the teenager.
“Beastly ability”
Considering just how exciting a talent Fresneda has more than proven himself to be this season, should Victor Orta manage to get a deal over the line for the teenager this winter, the Spaniard would undoubtedly be director of football’s next diamond discovery.
Indeed, over his six LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £2.5m-rated talent has been in sensational form going forwards, having already created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.5 key passes, finding his man with 0.5 crosses and completing 29.7 total passes – at a success rate of 82% – per game.
The £2.6k-per-week sensation has also impressed in a defensive capacity, helping his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 2.5 tackles – the 12th-most in the league – 1.3 interceptions, 2.8 clearances and winning 3.8 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per match.
These returns have seen the 18-year-old starlet – who Juan Arroita claimed possesses “beastly ability” – average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.02, currently ranking him as Valladolid’s second-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.
Furthermore, with Orta being well-known for his desire to attract the most exciting young talents to Elland Road, coupled with the director of football’s knowledge of the Spanish market, it would appear as if the Whites have as good a chance as any of going on to land the teenager in January.
And, should the 43-year-old indeed be able to seal a deal for Fresneda this winter, the right-back would undoubtedly be the Spaniard’s next diamond in the transfer window – something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for all involved with the club.
