Exclusive: Tottenham tell Man City what they need to pay to finalise deal
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to play hardball over Pedro Porro’s future as Manchester City explore bringing the Spanish full-back back to the Etihad Stadium. Sources close to the negotiations reveal Spurs have slapped a £50 million valuation on the 24-year-old defender, creating a significant obstacle for City’s potential summer move.
Porro’s career has come full circle since Manchester City initially signed him from Girona in 2019. Despite never making a first-team appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side during loan spells at Real Valladolid and Sporting CP, the right-back has developed into one of Tottenham’s most important assets since completing a £39.7 million move in 2023.
His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed at his former club, with City now reportedly keen to rectify their previous oversight.
The Premier League champions face a pressing need at right-back following Kyle Walker’s departure to AC Milan last summer.
Guardiola’s makeshift solution of deploying midfielder Matheus Nunes in defense highlights the growing urgency to strengthen in this position.
While Walker’s injury-plagued spell in Italy has fueled speculation about a potential return, City’s hierarchy appears determined to secure a long-term solution rather than relying on past solutions.
However, Tottenham’s firm stance and substantial asking price threaten to derail any potential deal. Club sources indicate negotiations would be “far from straightforward,” with Spurs valuing Porro as a top-tier full-back despite his occasionally inconsistent performances this season.
The £50 million price tag reflects both his importance to Ange Postecoglou’s system and the premium placed on attacking full-backs in today’s market.
Porro’s situation presents an intriguing dilemma for both clubs. For Tottenham, selling to a direct rival would require significant compensation, while Manchester City must weigh whether the Spaniard’s undeniable attacking qualities – 3 goals and 7 assists this season – justify the investment given lingering questions about his defensive reliability.
The potential transfer could also have ripple effects across both squads. Tottenham have reportedly identified Djed Spence as a possible replacement should Porro depart, while City’s pursuit suggests Guardiola wants more technical quality in wide defensive areas.
With negotiations expected to be complex and drawn-out, this saga may well run through the summer as both clubs jockey for position in what could become one of the window’s most intriguing transfer battles.
As the situation develops, one thing appears certain: Tottenham hold all the cards with Porro under contract until 2028, and they’re prepared to make City pay heavily if they want to correct their previous mistake in letting the talented full-back slip through their fingers.