Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool in ‘frantic’ scramble to complete January signing of LaLiga sensation with unique release clause
A rising Real Valladolid star with a release clause that keeps on rising has sparked a ‘frantic’ scramble to secure a January transfer before the cost becomes too great, per a report.
The World Cup has provided a superb opportunity for clubs to finalise their January transfer plans. Many stand-outs in Qatar have enhanced their chances of securing a move next month, such as Cody Gakpo, Enzo Fernandez and Sofyan Amrabat, to name just three.
However, today’s update regards a Spanish player who looks destined to feature in future World Cups – Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.
Despite only turning 18 in late-September, Fresneda has already established himself within the LaLiga side’s starting eleven.
The right-back started five of Valladolid’s last 10 matches prior to the World Cup break, and only missed three of those clashes because of a hamstring injury.
Fresneda has already been capped at both Under-18 and Under-19 level for Spain and per AS, was strongly pursued by Atletico Madrid last summer.
Valladolid managed to resist Atletico’s advances and in doing so, tied Fresneda down to a deal running until 2025. They also inserted a ‘growing’ release clause that began at €10m (approx. £8.6m).
Ivan Fresneda clause could rise again
However, per the Spanish outlet, the clause would rise to €30m (approx. £26m) after making six first-team appearances. Conveniently enough, Valladolid handed Fresneda six LaLiga appearances before the World Cup.
The report suggests the clause could continue to rise once future targets are met. Once the 22-appearance barrier is breached, Fresneda’s new price will be €45m (approx. £39m). Barring injury, Fresneda will probably hit that target in the second half of the season.
However, there’s a lengthy list of clubs hoping to swoop in next month to avoid the cost spiralling out of control.
Among those are Leeds Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool, though they’re only the tip of the iceberg.
Also chasing Fresneda from England are Newcastle, Wolves, Everton, Brentford, Southampton and Fulham. The report states all of the named clubs have ‘already moved’ for Fresneda, which is suggested to mean they’ve registered their interest ahead of making offers in January.
From further afield, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter and Roma are on the case from Italy. Atletico’s interest remains from Spain and they’re now joined by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Clearly, Fresneda is a player destined for big things.
AS conclude the figures Valladolid are being quoted by Fresneda’s many suitors currently fall below the player’s release clause (£26m at present).
However, given the ‘frantic’ nature of the chase, it’s speculated one club will bite the bullet and fork out the full amount next month.
Valladolid chief open to sale
Valladolid sporting director, Fran Sanchez, recently admitted a sale would be considered.
“We have to be prepared for what comes. We are clear about our policy as a club, what our president wants. In the end, we have to have the best competitive team possible,” said Sanchez (via the Mirror).
“If an interesting offer arrives for one of our players, we are always open to listening to it. But also with the intention of not weakening the team.
“Fresneda has exquisite behaviour. He is a boy with incredible maturity and on the pitch. He is proving himself to be a first division player.
“At the moment, nothing has arrived. So far, we have not had any formal offer. If we sell him or not, it depends on the offer.”
