Real Madrid considered move for Premier League defender before signing Denzel Dumfries | OneFootball

According to AS, Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro has long been admired inside Real Madrid, but despite years of scouting and internal discussions, the club never launched a serious attempt to sign the Spanish right-back.

The defender’s name was considered again this summer, but the club opted to go in a different direction. Now, following his outstanding performances at the World Cup, some figures within the club believe the opportunity may have slipped away.

A long-term target

Real Madrid’s interest in Porro dates back nearly a decade. Back in 2016 and again in 2017, when the defender left Rayo Vallecano as a youth player, the club’s academy recruitment department tried to bring him to Valdebebas.

But Girona ultimately won the race by offering a clearer pathway toward first-team football. From that point onward, Porro remained firmly on the Merengues’ scouting radar.

Real Madrid have admired Porro for a long time. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

His development at Sporting CP, followed by his emergence as one of Tottenham Hotspur’s standout performers, only strengthened the belief among some within the club that he could eventually succeed Dani Carvajal.

Considered, but never prioritised

Although Porro’s name was discussed repeatedly during squad planning meetings, even this summer, he never became Real Madrid’s primary target.

According to the report, head coach Jose Mourinho is also a fan of the player’s qualities.

However, the club’s long-term plan centered on Trent Alexander-Arnold, while financial considerations also played a significant role.

Signing Porro this summer from Tottenham would likely have required an investment exceeding €50 million, a fee Los Merengues ultimately felt was difficult to justify given their priorities elsewhere.

Instead, the club opted for Denzel Dumfries, who was available for around €20 million. While older than Porro, the Dutch international represented a considerably cheaper solution.

Porro was considered this summer as well. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

World Cup raises his stock

Porro’s performances at the World Cup have elevated him into the conversation as one of the world’s best full-backs.

His attacking influence and defensive consistency further increased his market value, reinforcing the belief among some at the club that he would have been an ideal addition.

As interest from several clubs intensified, Tottenham acted decisively. The North London side extended Porro’s contract until 2031, rewarding him with one of the highest salaries in the squad.

An opportunity that never materialised

Those close to Porro believe the lifelong Real Madrid admirer would have seriously considered a move had Real Madrid submitted a formal offer. However, that offer never came.

The club monitored his progress, debated his suitability and evaluated the financial implications, but never progressed beyond internal discussions.

For now, Porro remains happy in London, while Real Madrid continue with their current options at right-back. Even so, at 26 years old, the possibility of their paths crossing in the future cannot be completely ruled out.