Pep Guardiola green lights Man City move to sign talented defender – Report | OneFootball

Man City Focus On Fresneda As Right Back Plans Evolve

Manchester City appear to be entering a pivotal stretch in their long term right back planning, with TeamTalk reporting that Sporting CP defender Ivan Fresneda has emerged as a leading target for a possible January move. The context is clear and unavoidable, Kyle Walker has now moved on and Pep Guardiola has been leaning heavily on Matheus Nunes as a makeshift option. While Nunes has adapted admirably, the need for a specialist remains evident.

Growing Interest In Sporting’s Rising Star

TeamTalk details that Fresneda has been monitored closely across recent months. The 21 year old has already made 13 appearances for Sporting this season and his form under Rui Borges has been strong enough to draw attention from clubs beyond City. Chelsea and West Ham have reportedly been tracking him too, although Guardiola’s admiration seems particularly firm.

Insider Dean Jones told TeamTalk, “It is true that Man City continue to track Ivan Fresneda, 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 sense of timing is crucial, because City are shaping their squad with both immediate needs and long term continuity in mind.

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Jones also noted, “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.” Those alternative names highlight how wide City’s recruitment department continue to cast their net.

Fit, Function And Future Planning

The strongest point from the report is that Fresneda fits what City want technically and tactically. Jones 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.”

That assessment aligns with how City typically operate. They prepare well in advance, they gather extensive reporting and they execute when market conditions give them the leverage they want. Fresneda ticks many boxes, age profile, athleticism, upside and the ability to learn a possession heavy system.

Market Timing And Tactical Logic

There is no immediate pressure for a January move but the groundwork being done now signals intent. City had a rare down year in 2024-25 and they will not allow structural weaknesses to linger. A specialised right back feels like an overdue addition and Fresneda has the attributes to become a long term solution.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report offers encouragement as well as a hint of impatience. Fans watched last season unfold with a clear issue on the right side of defence and many will feel that addressing it sooner rather than later is essential. Seeing Matheus Nunes fill in has been admirable but also a reminder that elite sides thrive on natural balance. A proper full back adds rhythm, width and defensive reliability, qualities City lacked in key matches during the 2024-25 dip.

Fresneda’s profile is the most exciting part of this update. At 21, experienced in Portugal and tactically intelligent, he appears the archetype of a City signing. Supporters will appreciate that he is comfortable on the ball and capable of playing in advanced build up structures. The idea that City already have detailed reports prepared suggests he is more than a speculative name.

However, hearing that January will be difficult may frustrate some fans. City have historically acted decisively when a positional weakness becomes obvious and many will hope that if negotiations can advance early, the club make the necessary push. Rivals such as Chelsea monitoring him only adds urgency.

There is also curiosity around the alternative options. Livramento feels like a Premier League ready solution and some fans would welcome a move for him given his experience in English football. Nonetheless, the idea of Fresneda developing under Guardiola is compelling and likely to generate optimism.

Overall, this report signals that City are back to planning with clarity and purpose, which is precisely what supporters want as the club look to return to the peak levels seen in recent title winning seasons.