Manchester City are setting the stage for another smart piece of long-term planning as Pep Guardiola reportedly gives the go-ahead for a move to sign Sporting CP’s young right-back, Iván Fresneda.
According to TeamTalk, Man City are interested in Fresneda and the 21-year-old Spaniard has become one of their main transfer targets ahead of the January window. This signals the club’s intent to reinforce a key position that has lacked a natural specialist since the departure of Kyle Walker.
With Walker’s exit leaving a notable gap on the right side of defence, Guardiola has turned to Matheus Nunes as a temporary solution. Though Nunes has impressed with his adaptability, the absence of a true full-back has not gone unnoticed.
Manchester City, a club known for their meticulous planning, seem determined to find a lasting answer — and Fresneda fits the profile.
“It is true that Man City continue to track Iván Fresneda,” insider Dean Jones told TeamTalk. “They are looking for another full-back option and it is just a case of whether they see a good enough opportunity in January.”
That opportunity could come soon, as Man City are interested in Fresneda and weigh up their timing in a market that rarely favours mid-season transfers. Guardiola’s interest, however, appears genuine, with Fresneda now emerging as a name high on City’s recruitment list.
Fresneda is a long-term solution in the making for Pep Guardiola
Fresneda’s development has been drawing attention across Europe. The 21-year-old, who joined Sporting CP in the summer, has already made 13 appearances under Rúben Amorim’s successor Rui Borges.
He has showcased a mix of defensive intelligence and technical composure that suits Guardiola’s style of football.
Reports indicate that Chelsea and West Ham are also monitoring the Spaniard, but City’s pursuit appears to carry a stronger sense of purpose.
Guardiola is said to admire Fresneda’s ability to thrive in possession-heavy systems — a key requirement for any defender at the Etihad.
Jones elaborated on the club’s approach, noting that the Sky Blues have been tracking multiple options in that position.
“They are still big admirers of Tino Livramento [Newcastle], and it would not be a surprise if they actively look at him again in the future. They also had strong interest in Nicolo Savona before he signed for Forest.”
Getting alternative targets underlines City’s broad scouting network. Their recruitment strategy is never reactionary; rather, it is a carefully constructed process that identifies talent well before the transfer market intensifies.
As Jones further explained, “Fresneda has been of interest for a while and I understand they have continued to keep an eye on him. I think getting him in January would be difficult, to be honest, but they see him as a good fit for the squad and have detailed reports drawn up on him ahead of any potential active pursuit in 2026.”
For Manchester City, this pursuit isn’t merely about addressing a short-term need. It is about maintaining the long-term structure that has allowed them to dominate English football under Guardiola.
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Fresneda, who combines youthful energy with technical maturity, offers precisely the kind of profile City value — a player capable of growing within their system while offering immediate squad depth.
Guardiola’s teams have always depended on full-backs who can interpret multiple roles — defending deep when needed, drifting inside to form midfield overloads, or stretching play out wide.
Fresneda, who came through the Real Valladolid academy before moving to Portugal, has already demonstrated that tactical versatility. His composure on the ball and positional awareness have marked him out as one of the most promising defenders of his generation.
Meanwhile, a source close to Manchester City suggested that they are not rushing the process. There is recognition that Sporting will resist any January sale, especially given Fresneda’s growing importance under Borges.
But groundwork now could pay off later, as City aim to be in pole position should a transfer become feasible next summer or in 2026.
