Barcelona rivalled by two Premier League clubs and Portuguese giants for 18-year-old prodigy

Barcelona are expected to face huge competition for Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda, with a report from SPORT confirming that there are multiple teams vying for his acquisition this summer.

It is no secret that Barcelona are actively hunting a right-back and while Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo happens to be their priority, the Bluagrana management is not closing doors for Fresneda if the deal for the Portuguese full-back falls through.

According to the aforementioned outlet, as many as two Premier League teams, Sporting CP as well as FC Porto have expressed interest in the 18-year-old right-back.

Barcelona on Fresneda’s trail for a long time

Barcelona were one of the first teams to identify Fresneda as possible hiring this summer. In fact, it is said that they sent the first formal offer for the defender back on July 31, reported to be around €8 million fixed fee with €10 million in potential add-ons.

The proposal did not convince Valladolid as they asked them to meet his release clause, which is €20 million. 

Barcelona have maintained contact with the player and his representative ever since and even the 18-year-old now believes that he can finally play for Barça.

That, however, will only be made possible if Barcelona fail to sign their priority target Joao Cancelo.

Priority someone else

Now, there is no denying the fact that Barcelona’s utmost priority for the right-back role is Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back is not wanted at Man City, but signing him is trickier than it seems.

In order to tackle the issue, Barcelona would approach City with a loan offer which would include a purchase option. Right now, there is no still no agreement, which is why Fresneda has been kept as an option.

But since Barcelona do not want to lose sight of Fresneda, new sporting director Deco has reportedly asked his agent for time to try and fit the operation into the Financial Fair Play.

It has been suggested that the Blaugrana would be open to trying to incorporate the Valladolid defender even if Cancelo arrives.

In such a scenario, though, the teenage right-back could be sent out on loan to continue his development.

But with competition for his services growing, Barcelona will need to decide whether or not they wish to continue his pursuit.