Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a player plus cash deal for Pedro Porro
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, North London giants Tottenham Hotspur have offered cash plus one player in part exchange for Sporting CP star Pedro Porro.
The Spanish full-back has been a revelation for the Portuguese giants and has caught the fancy of Spurs boss Antonio Conte. Marauding full-backs play a big role in the Italian’s 3-5-2 system, and it makes sense he would see value in Porro.
A right-back, Porro is adept at both ends of the pitch and has an energetic presence to boot. He has made 95 appearances for Sporting CP, scoring 11 times and assisting 19 more. To call the numbers impressive for a full-back would be underwhelming.
While Ivan Perisic’s arrival in the summer fortified the left flank, the same cannot be said of the right flank. Matt Doherty has had his moments but has been grossly inconsistent. The less said about Emerson Royal, the better.
Excl: Tottenham have made an opening bid for Pedro Porro including one player plus guaranteed money. Sporting have rejected this formula. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
Negotiations will continue as Sporting keep asking €45m clause but Spurs are insisting with player keen on move. pic.twitter.com/WDChH894KR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2023
This has created an imbalance of sorts in the Spurs’ formation, something that is easily visible even to casual viewers. Porro has all the skill sets and attributes needed to bridge that gap and could prove to be a game-changing signing for the Londoners.
The identity of the player offered in part-exchange remains a mystery for now, but it found little appreciation from Sporting CP. The Portuguese giants have already rejected the bid and remain adamant that the player’s €45m clause be paid in full.
Tottenham, for their part, remains optimistic about their chances and already have the player’s blessings to get the deal done. Porro’s contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium runs until 2025, and there is no pressure on the Liga Portugal side to sell.
With just under two weeks left before the January transfer window shuts, the onus will be on Tottenham to make an offer that cannot be refused.
Conte has been vocal about the need for reinforcements and is himself nearing the end of his contract. Failing to land Porro could have long-term repercussions at the club, both on and off the field. With Chelsea also keen on the player, there is the risk that they could trump Tottenham to the signing should the Lilywhites drag their feet for too long.
