Pep Guardiola has told Friday’s press conference – as per the Manchester Evening News – that new Tottenham man Pedro Porro was on Manchester City’s list but the club decided not to activate their buyback clause to sign him.
Porro, 23, finally completed a move to Tottenham on deadline day. Spurs confirmed his arrival in the final 10 minutes of the window after a month of links with Spurs. Eventually, Porro has joined on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
It sees Spurs solve the weak link in their side. Djed Spence has left the club on loan to join Rennes, linking up with Joe Rodon – and Matt Doherty has left on a free, joining Atletico Madrid. Porro could start against City on Sunday.
Of course, Porro left City permanently in the summer – joining Sporting. It comes after spending the previous two seasons with the Portuguese champions on loan. Guardiola gave his verdict on Tottenham signing Porro in January.
“Perfect to play five at the back, last season we suffer when we played Sporting. A good signing for Spurs. No [we didn’t think about re-signing], he was on the list but we didn’t think about the buy-back. He decides to go to Spurs.”
Guardiola: New Tottenham man Porro was on Manchester City’s list
Spurs desperately needed Porro and it is a real coup to get the Liga NOS champion on board. He is a big advance on Emerson Royal, Doherty and Spence. You look at Tottenham’s side now, and there are no stand-out issues.
Yes, Spurs could do with a centre-back and a goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris is likely to be replaced in the summer, while a more-consistent option to replace Eric Dier, and either Alessandro Bastoni or Josko Gvardiol on the left of defence.
But, those players are not as alarming in terms of being weaknesses as Royal was. The Brazil defender is a good squad player but not enough to start week in, week out. Porro takes Spurs up a level, ahead of hosting City.
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