Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda as part of their long-term recruitment strategy, with plans already forming for the 2026 summer transfer window.The Premier League champions appear to be turning their attention toward the Portuguese market — one that sporting director Hugo Viana knows intimately. While City remain well-stocked in the full-back department for now, their forward-thinking recruitment policy continues to identify elite young talents early, allowing gradual integration into Pep Guardiola’s system.
City’s strategic scouting in Portugal
Manchester City’s scouting department has developed strong links within Portuguese football, frequently tracking emerging players from the Primeira Liga. The club’s admiration for Iberian prospects has grown over recent transfer windows, and City’s network across Portugal remains among the most active in Europe.
The Primeira Liga continues to produce top-tier talent attracting interest from major European clubs, and City have shown a willingness to revisit players previously on their radar — particularly those whose development has accelerated in recent years.
Ivan Fresneda’s rise at Sporting CP
21-year-old Ivan Fresneda has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young full-backs. Known for his calmness on the ball, athletic ability, and positional flexibility, the Spaniard is capable of functioning both as a modern inverted full-back and a traditional overlapping defender.
According to TBR Football, Manchester City have rekindled their interest in the former Real Valladolid defender, who joined Sporting CP in 2023 for around £8 million. His current contract reportedly includes a £70 million release clause — a figure that reflects Sporting’s valuation of their prized asset.
City’s evolving right-back situation
Manchester City’s renewed focus on the right-back position stems from ongoing squad evolution. Following Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley and João Cancelo’s exit, Rico Lewis has stepped up as a reliable and versatile option, often playing in hybrid roles under Guardiola’s tactical adjustments.
Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes has occasionally been deployed on the right flank, reflecting City’s adaptability but also highlighting the need for long-term depth and succession planning in that position. Fresneda’s technical skill set and tactical intelligence make him a fitting candidate for City’s system.
Sporting CP’s stance and future prospects
Sporting CP are expected to remain firm in their stance, given Fresneda’s rapid rise and the strong protection of his value through the release clause. The Portuguese side have a proven track record of developing and selling players strategically, meaning any move from Manchester City would likely come at a premium.
Given the player’s age and trajectory, City are expected to closely monitor Fresneda over the coming months to determine whether his performances justify activating the clause or initiating negotiations directly with Sporting CP.
With Hugo Viana’s connections to the Lisbon-based club — having previously served as Sporting’s sporting director before joining City — the Premier League giants are well-placed to maintain open communication as the situation develops.
What’s next for Manchester City?
As Pep Guardiola’s side continues its evolution, the right-back position remains a key area for long-term reinforcement. Fresneda’s youth, potential, and tactical profile align perfectly with City’s transfer philosophy — targeting adaptable players who can perform at the highest level across multiple systems.
Whether Manchester City move early or wait until 2026 will likely depend on Fresneda’s progression and how current squad members like Rico Lewis develop in the meantime. But one thing is clear — City’s intent to stay ahead of the curve in their recruitment strategy remains unwavering.
Conclusion
Ivan Fresneda has become a name to watch for Manchester City’s future plans. As the Sporting CP defender continues to impress in the Primeira Liga, the Premier League champions may look to secure another young star who fits seamlessly into their evolving tactical identity. With Hugo Viana’s insight and connections, a future move could be more than just speculation — it could be City’s next big step in building their next-generation backline.
