Iván Fresneda
MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 9th 2025: UEFA Champions League – FC Bayern München vs. Sporting CP. Pictured: Serge Gnabry, of FC Bayern Munich, and# Iván Fresneda, of Sporting CP, in action
Newcastle United, Manchester City and Arsenal are all monitoring Sporting right-back Iván Fresneda ahead of the summer window, and the Portuguese club are open to doing business below his €80m (£69m) release clause.
That is according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, which reports Sporting are prepared to negotiate a “considerable” fee for the 21-year-old – even if the final figure has not yet been defined internally.
Fresneda has grown into a key figure under Rui Borges this season. The tactical shift from a 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1 helped him cement the starting role at right-back. As a result, his performances have also earned him recognition with Spain’s Under-21 side.
Interest from England has already been reported, with Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal named as admirers. However, A Bola stress that Sporting have not received any formal offers so far. There have been exploratory contacts, but nothing concrete has arrived at Alvalade.
Sporting open to Iván Fresneda sale – but not at clause level
Sporting inserted an €80m (£69m) release clause when they signed Iván Fresneda from Real Valladolid in 2023 for €9m (£7.8m). Yet the Lisbon club are not insisting on that full amount this summer.
Instead, the board are willing to negotiate for a significant fee that reflects his development. The exact asking price has not been set publicly, but the indication is clear – there is room for a discount if the right proposal lands.
From a strategic point of view, Sporting feel protected. Georgios Vagiannidis arrived in 2025 and is under contract until 2030. In addition, youngster Salvador Blopa is expected to take on a larger role next season after featuring for the B team, while another academy product Diogo Travassos will return from Moreirense and can also operate as a winger.
That depth gives Sporting leverage. They can sell without scrambling for an immediate replacement.
What this means for Newcastle, City and Arsenal
For Newcastle United, Manchester City and Arsenal, the situation presents an opportunity rather than a bidding war, at least for now.
Iván Fresneda’s profile is attractive. He has youth international pedigree with Spain, Champions League exposure and, notably, is among the fastest players recorded in this season’s competition. Pace at full-back remains a premium attribute in the Premier League.
Another Spain Under-21 call-up is expected in March for fixtures against Cyprus and Kosovo. Continued international involvement would only strengthen his market value.
The key point is timing. There is no formal offer yet. But Sporting are clearly positioning him as a summer sale candidate.
If an English club moves early with a serious proposal – below €80m (£69m), but comfortably above the €9m (£7.8m) investment – negotiations could accelerate quickly.