Chelsea and Barcelona in transfer battle for La Liga wonderkid
Tom Hancock
- 18 Aug 2023 15:39 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have reportedly entered the race for Real Valladolid prodigy Ivan Fresneda, but they could face stiff competition from Barcelona.
The 18-year-old right-back has also been linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid this summer, having enjoyed a breakout season for Valladolid in 2023/23.
Our in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) model currently rates Fresneda at €15.8m (£13.4m), and his release clause is said to have dropped to €20m (£17m) following Valladolid’s relegation from La Liga.
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As such, there’s bound to be plenty of interest in a player who has shown immense potential – but Chelsea appear to be biding their time.
According to ESPN, the Blues will wait to see if Barcelona move for Fresneda before deciding whether to swoop themselves.
Chelsea have already made nine senior signings this summer, with Romeo Lavia the latest to arrive this morning – in a £58m switch from Southampton, just four days after fellow Moises Caicedo joined from Brighton for an initial £100m.
At the back, the Blues have made just one addition so far in the current transfer window, bringing in France centre-half Axel Disasi from Monaco for €45m (£38.5m).
Disasi scored on his debut as Chelsea drew their Premier League opener against Liverpool 1-1 last Sunday.
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Fresneda’s journey from one Real to another
Born in Madrid, Fresneda spent four years in the academy of Real Madrid, before moving on to Leganes and eventually Real Valladolid.
He made his senior debut in January 2022 at the age of 17 and has gone on to feature 26 times for Valladolid – who are owned by Ronaldo Nazario – in total.
Fresneda made 18 starts as Valladolid finished 18th in La Liga last term and has represented Spain up to U20 level.
