Spurs struck gold with titanic star who’s now worth millions more than Archie Gray – opinion
The transfer window has been open for over two weeks, and while many English clubs have been relatively quiet, Tottenham Hotspur is beginning to make significant moves.
Under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have been linked to numerous talented players, including Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna.
However, the most notable development in the past 36 hours is the impending signing of Leeds United star Archie Gray.
Yesterday, the anticipated move received the “here we go” confirmation from Fabrizio Romano, signaling the deal’s near completion. Archie Gray, a highly-touted 18-year-old, is an exciting addition to Tottenham’s roster.
While Gray is a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions, Tottenham already boasts a player of significant value in one of his potential roles—Spanish right-back Pedro Porro.
Pedro Porro joined Tottenham from Sporting CP initially on loan in February last year before making the move permanent for a substantial fee of around £39 million. The 24-year-old quickly became a regular fixture in the team, demonstrating his versatility and skill.
Under former manager Antonio Conte, Porro made 17 appearances, including 13 starts as a right-sided midfielder or right wing-back, contributing three goals and three assists.
With the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, Porro transitioned to a more traditional right-back role. He started 37 times last season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists, averaging a goal involvement every 3.36 games. This impressive form solidified his place as an integral part of Tottenham’s starting lineup.
While Archie Gray’s transfer fee is set to cost Tottenham around £40 million, Pedro Porro’s valuation is even higher.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Porro’s conservative valuation is approximately €52 million (£44 million), with a higher valuation reaching €66 million (£56 million).
This substantial value is justified by Porro’s exceptional performance and his £85,000-per-week contract, which runs until the summer of 2028.
Pedro Porro’s statistical achievements further underscore his value. Last season, he tallied 11 goal involvements in 37 games.
According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, Porro ranks in the top 5% of full-backs for total shots, the top 7% for blocks, and the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90 minutes. These metrics highlight his effectiveness and importance to the team.
| Porro’s Spurs career | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | RB | RM | LM | RW |
| Starts | 38 | 13 | 1 | 1 |
| Goals | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.28 | 0.46 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| All Stats via Transfermarkt | ||||
Archie Gray’s impending arrival signifies a strategic move for Tottenham, enhancing their squad depth and versatility. Despite the teenager’s high cost, Pedro Porro’s even higher valuation and proven track record ensure that Spurs have a valuable asset in their ranks.
This combination of young talent and established stars positions Tottenham for success in the upcoming season.
Tottenham Hotspur’s proactive approach in the transfer market, coupled with their strong existing squad, sets the stage for a promising future.
The addition of Archie Gray, alongside the continued excellence of Pedro Porro, provides a solid foundation for success under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership. As Tottenham continues to strengthen its roster, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
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