Roma snub and new deal until 2031: how Rui Borges refined Fresneda into a Sporting leader

The remarkable rise of Iván Fresneda is the story of a youngster once met with skepticism who has firmly established himself at Sporting, become a senior international for Spain, and increasingly embraced the role of an unofficial captain. While he was not signed by Rui Borges, his rapid development is the direct product of the manager's guidance. Fresneda has grown so much that Sporting recently rejected an approach from AS Roma without hesitation. Set to take on even more leadership, he is now in line for a new contract. Here are the secrets behind the 22-year-old Spaniard's breakthrough.

When the young right-back arrived at the José Alvalade in 2023 at just 19 years old as an unpolished Spanish prospect, doubts were widespread—especially after a debut campaign limited to just ten appearances. Another title-winning yet fragmented season followed, but against the odds, Fresneda finally made his breakthrough in his third year in green and white under the current Sporting boss.

By age 21, Iván Fresneda had stopped being merely a bet for the future and became an indispensable part of Sporting's present. The proof lies in his standing inside the dressing room, where he has naturally integrated into the team's leadership group.

The catalyst behind the defender's resurgence is Rui Borges. While Fresneda struggled to adapt to Ruben Amorim's system of a back three with advanced wing-backs, the return to a traditional four-man defense transformed his fortunes. Not even the arrival of Greek full-back Georgios Vagiannidis early in the transition slowed the Spaniard down: Fresneda locked down a starting berth and delivered an exceptional 2025/26 campaign, making 39 appearances with one goal and one assist.

Only a late-season injury—brought on by the player's relentless desire to contribute—prevented an even more impressive tally and disrupted his recent pre-season. Even so, he has featured in all ten matches played by Sporting so far this season.

Mentally robust, Fresneda holds himself to a demanding training regimen that has underpinned his steady development. Many forget he arrived in Lisbon as a teenager; three years have allowed him to build consistency, tactical maturity, and establish himself as a natural leader.

Discipline is central to Fresneda's day-to-day routine. In addition to regular training sessions with Sporting, he never skips supplementary conditioning work at home, sticking to a strict schedule that continues to pay dividends.

His leadership qualities have also earned praise within the Spanish national setup—both for the Under-21s, where he established himself as a regular starter, and the senior side, receiving a call-up in the latest international window for the UEFA Nations League. He earned his first senior cap against Czechia, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 victory.

That same drive has enhanced his status within Sporting's captaincy group, where he sits fourth in the hierarchy behind Gonçalo Inácio, Eduardo Quaresma, and Maxi Araújo. Even without the armband, he takes responsibility on the pitch and is frequently chosen by the club to speak to the media after matches. His influence continues to grow.

Alongside his rising profile, a salary increase is also on the horizon. Currently under contract until 2028 with an €80 million release clause—following a €9 million investment from Real Valladolid in the summer of 2023—the Sporting hierarchy has already moved to secure one of their most valuable assets.

As reported by A BOLA, the club's post-transfer window plan involves extending his deal until 2031 alongside an upgraded salary. It is a clear message that Sporting have no intention of letting one of their cornerstones leave, having already turned down an offer from Roma last summer.

Tracked and admired by clubs across England and Spain, Fresneda has previously been linked with Arsenal and, more recently, Barcelona. Any interested club looking to move for him in January will need to meet his €80m buyout clause—or face an immediate rejection.