Leeds United reportedly held talks with Real Valladolid for teen star Ivan Fresneda in December ahead of a possible move for the Spaniard – and now, the highly-rated defender has been included GOAL’s NXGN list of 50 wonderkids.
Fresneda, 18, has broken into Valladolid’s side on a regular basis this season after his senior debut last term. The youngster has since played 15 times for Valladolid in all competitions, and that early breakthrough attracted Leeds.
Spanish newspaper AS claim Leeds, Arsenal and Liverpool all opened talks with La Liga club Valladolid in December ahead of the January window. The report claims that the Spain Under-19 star has a release clause worth £26million.
Nothing materialised, from any club. This summer, that may change. Leeds do have two options at right-back and Luke Ayling has since signed a new deal, while Rasmus Kristensen scored against Wolves in a 4-2 win on Saturday.
But Fresneda is definitely a talent. Proven, by GOAL including him in their list of 50 NXGN talents from around the world – an accolade that is deemed prestigious and comes around once a year. Leeds United will be taking note.
Leeds held Fresneda talks: Included in GOAL’s NXGN list of wonderkids
To be included in the list, even after just 17 senior appearances for a side in the midst of a relegation battle. Indeed, Valladolid are in a very similar position to Leeds. They currently sit in 16th place, two points above the bottom three.
But do we really need a player that could cost a fee nearly £26m, when we already have two options on the right side of the defence? Probably, not. Ayling will stick around until 2024 at the earliest. We have Cody Drameh, too.
He has been impressing back on loan in the Championship with Luton Town. Arguably, right-back is the one area in the squad that does not require any action. No new contracts, no sales, no incomings. Unless a player goes.
