‘Signed’: £10m player who wanted Newcastle move in January now has a new club – Romano

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Long term Newcastle United transfer target Ivan Fresneda is finally on the move.

The Magpies were heavily linked with signing the teenage defender at the beginning of 2023. It was decided by the club that they wanted a young right-back who could act as backup to Kieran Trippier before eventually replacing him.

Fresneda was identified as a player who could fulfil that role, and was reportedly someone who was keen on a move to Newcastle.

However, a move to St James’ Park in January was not forthcoming for the 18-year-old. In fact, he did not leave Real Valladolid at all, despite serious interest from Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund as well.

Despite having major clubs chasing him and boasting a lot of potential, Fresneda remained in Spain…until now.

Ivan Fresneda to sign for Sporting CP

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fresneda has now signed a contract to leave Real Valladolid and sign for Portuguese giants Sporting CP. He states that the Lisbon club have agreed a deal worth £10million in total to sign the Spaniard.

He wrote on Twitter: “Understand Iván Fresneda has signed his contract as new Sporting player few minutes ago. Deal sealed. €9m fixed fee, €3m add-ons and 10% sell on clause to Valladolid.”

Newcastle have bought two right-backs since Fresneda links

After relentless links with Europe’s top clubs, Fresneda is now joining Sporting for a rather modest fee. It will be interesting to see how well he does, and how much he costs the next time he changes clubs – assuming he thrives in Portugal.

For Newcastle, they have signed two right-backs since they ended their interest in Fresneda.

The first was Harrison Ashby, and the second was Tino Livramento. The Magpies invested a lot of money in the latter, signing him for £32million from Southampton earlier this month.

Newcastle have high hopes for the 20-year-old, and seized the opportunity when it became clear that he was available for a transfer.

Hopefully he proves to be the long term Trippier replacement we have been looking for and we do not live to regret missing out on Fresneda.