Newcastle United look set for a much calmer January transfer window compared to last season. The Magpies had already brought in Kieran Trippier and were closing in on Chris Wood at this stage in the previous campaign, as they looked to battle their way out of relegation.
The recruitment in January and then the summer, has been a master stroke with Eddie Howe's side still competing on three fronts and closing in on a Champions League berth. There remains plenty of football to be played until Newcastle secure a return to European football and you would still expect the club to strengthen this month, but maybe not quite to the extent of previous windows.
January is a notoriously difficult month to work in and having spent big on Alexander Isak in the summer, his return to fitness will act as a new signing. There remains links to Leicester City duo James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, but the Magpies have been quiet in the market so far.
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The recruitment plan this month seems set on recruiting for the future, with Real Vallodolid full-back Ivan Fresneda on their wish list. Howe's side are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign the 18-year-old, with his current head coach admitting he's likely to leave this month after bursting onto the scene in La Liga.
But who is he and what might he bring to St. James' Park? Chronicle Live spoke with Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown for an insight into Fresneda and what he might bring Newcastle United.
Ivan burst onto the scene at the start of the season, but what kind of player is he?
Matt Clark: "Iván Fresneda has been one of the revelations of the season so far in LaLiga, standing out for newly-promoted Real Valladolid. He is a remarkably complete right back despite his young age, balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too.
"He has that coveted combination of physicality and technical ability. Tall but agile, quick and athletic, he is also strong in the tackle and reads the game very well for someone so green when it comes to first team football.
"It is no surprise to see plenty of European giants keeping an eye on him. Initially there were reports of Italian clubs like Inter and Juventus following his progress. More recently the Premier League clubs, like Newcastle, have taken the lead in the pursuit. He could well be on the move in January, with his head coach Pacheta admitting he may leave."
He spent his youth career at various clubs around Spain, including Real Madrid. What was the reason behind this?
MC: "Born in the Spanish capital, he joined up with the Real Madrid academy, La Fábrica, in 2014, and remained there for four years. He then made the short trip to Leganés in 2018, another Madrid-based club, before joining the youth setup at Real Valladolid in 2020.
"Without knowing the exact details, it would seem to me that he was in search of the best environment to develop his game, aiming to get the maximum amount of playing time. It is more likely to stand out and get the breakthrough at a smaller club, compared to the mammoth size of Real Madrid."
He broke into the Vallodolid first-team earlier this season, how has he fared and are there any standout moments?
MC: "His first team debut came in the Copa del Rey this time last year, but that was mainly due to an injury crisis in the position, so he was drafted up from the youth side, Valladolid Promesas. He played once in Segunda a few days later, but then returned to the youth team.
"His big breakthrough came in the early stages of this season, when he was still 17. He came on as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to Girona in September, and he looked nervous, as can be expected for a teenager thrust into LaLiga. He then started the next three league matches and looked far more assured, impressing numerous observers.
"The big standout moment, however, came last week, when Real Valladolid kept Real Madrid out for 80 minutes before eventually slipping to defeat. Fresneda was directly up against Vini Jr, one of the best wide forwards in the game, and more than matched him. In the fixture he was the player with the most tackles, most tackles won, most clearances and most recoveries, highlighting his defensive diligence.
"He effectively shut down one of the league’s most creative and dangerous players, something not too many full-backs have been able to achieve. According to Fbref data, he is already standing out among his peers.
"Compared to other players in his position in the top five leagues, he is in the 99th percentile for tackles, 98th for clearances and 93rd for interceptions. He has a maturity well beyond his years, allowing him to anticipate and make good judgements in defensive situations."
What kind of transfer fee do you think would be a fair price?
MC: "It’s a good question and a tricky one to answer. His release clause is rumoured to be around the €30 million range, which is steep for a player with only seven top-flight appearances to his name.
"However, given his age and profile, something approaching that figure wouldn’t be too surprising in the current market. I think a deal could be struck for around €15-20 million if there is willingness to compromise from all parties."
He's already a Spanish youth international, do you think he can become a regular in the first-team in the future?
MC: "Indeed, he made his U19 debut before he featured in LaLiga, amassing four appearances so far, with Spain not conceding a goal in any of those. He certainly has the potential to be a future senior international.
"Right back has been a bit of a problem position for Spain in recent years: veterans like Dani Carvajal and César Azpilicueta have shared the role, while Marcos Llorente has often played out of position there too.
"There is excitement about the current crop of younger players coming through, and Fresneda being the same age as Gavi puts things into perspective. New head coach Luis de la Fuente will be willing to use younger players, so if Fresneda continues to develop at the current rate, he could even be called up before the next Euros."
Finally, do you believe he has what it takes to cut it in the Premier League at this time, or would he need time to hone his game?
MC: "I think he has the skill-set, and positive characteristics to go a long way in the game. The adage ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ comes to mind.
"However, the word of caution comes from the limited sample size. With just seven top-flight appearances, he is still incredibly inexperienced. Playing for Real Valladolid in the bottom half of LaLiga is a significantly different environment from the glare of a top half Premier League side.
"One scenario could be that a deal is agreed whereby he can remain in Spain for the remainder of this season, and maybe even the next one too, so he can have a full campaign of regular football under his belt. Only then will we be able to reach any firm conclusions about his full capacity.
"For young players, too much too soon can be a negative thing, while some others do thrive on it. Ultimately this has all happened very fast for Fresneda, so he and those close to him will have to think carefully about what the best move for him would be."
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