Tottenham Hotspur Have Told Barcelona to Pay £42.5m to Sign Defender – Report | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Pedro Porro Linked with Shock Exit as Barcelona Circle – What Next for Spurs?

In what could be one of the more surprising moves of the summer, Spanish outlet Fichajes has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are willing to sell Pedro Porro for just €50million (£42.5m). The Spanish defender, one of Spurs’ standout performers during a dismal domestic campaign, is now a transfer target for Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal.

According to the report, Barcelona “want” Porro and are “considering” a bid, viewing him as a versatile addition capable of challenging Jules Kounde at right-back, while offering depth on the left. New boss Hansi Flick is already evaluating his options as he looks to reshape the squad to suit his dynamic system.

Porro’s attacking contributions – three goals and nine assists across 47 appearances – have kept him in the headlines even as Spurs flounder in the league. Fichajes claims Spurs have “opened the door” to a sale, signalling a potential major shake-up at Hotspur Way.

Photo IMAGO

Surprise Exit for One of Spurs’ Best Performers?

It’s this point that will concern Tottenham supporters most. Pedro Porro has been one of the few consistent bright spots in a season where Ange Postecoglou’s side find themselves sitting a perilous 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the drop zone.

Despite progressing to the Europa League semi-finals – where they lead Bodo/Glimt 3-1 on aggregate – the domestic collapse has brought scrutiny across the squad. Even Daniel Levy’s support of Postecoglou is in question, with Fichajes noting that “even if Postecoglou comes through on his trophy promise… Levy could still swing the axe.”

Still, parting with Porro for just £42.5m seems uncharacteristically soft from a club known for driving hard bargains. As Fichajes rightly points out, Spurs have previously rejected major bids for star players, including Harry Kane, from both Manchester City and Manchester United.

Contract Situation Strengthens Tottenham’s Position

While the reported valuation might hint at Spurs being open to business, context is everything. Porro’s contract runs until June 2028, meaning Spurs hold a significant advantage in negotiations. Selling now would appear premature, unless there is an undisclosed desire from the player to return to Spain or an internal strategic shift by the club.

Fichajes also raises the possibility of Manchester City re-entering the race, with interest from April 22 suggesting there may be Premier League competition for his signature. Yet, City’s pursuit of Kane previously highlighted how difficult Spurs can be to deal with – particularly under Levy’s watch.

Photo: IMAGO

LaLiga Bidding War Could Drive Up Price

If anything, the presence of multiple suitors – from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid and Villarreal – means Tottenham are in a strong position to trigger a bidding war. With Real Madrid instead eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free, the LaLiga market for right-backs is hot, and Porro is very much in demand.

Should all three clubs make formal approaches, Spurs may well revise their valuation upward, potentially to the £60m mark or higher, which feels more in line with Porro’s output and potential. In short, this one looks far from settled.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

To be honest, this report from Fichajes has left me uneasy. £42.5m for Pedro Porro? It’s hard to swallow. He’s arguably been one of the only reliable players this season, and if we’re serious about rebuilding under Postecoglou or whoever comes next, selling him sends the wrong message.

What’s even more worrying is the fact that it sounds like the club are almost inviting offers. The phrase “opened the door” makes it sound like we’re ready to offload him without a fight. I know finances might be tight – especially if we miss out on Europe entirely next season – but this feels short-sighted.

Porro’s still only 25, he’s quick, technical, and honestly, he’s been a leader without the armband on several occasions this season. Selling him now when he’s under contract until 2028? It doesn’t make sense – unless the player himself wants to go, and even then, £42.5m is far too low in this market.

Levy needs to hold firm. If Barcelona or Atleti really want him, they should pay upwards of £60m, maybe even £70m. Because if we start letting top-tier players go for mid-tier fees, then how do we expect to attract or retain elite talent in the long run?

As a Spurs fan, I can only hope this is a strategic leak to stir up interest and raise the price. Because if this is serious, and Porro is sold for under £50m, it would be another example of us shooting ourselves in the foot at a time when we can’t afford more self-inflicted wounds.