City boss Pep Guardiola has earmarked Tottenham’s tenacious £50 million full-back Pedro Porro as his prime target to bolster the right flank this summer.
Manchester City look set to reshape their squad after a rare underwhelming campaign that could leave them outside the Premier League’s top five and missing next season’s Champions League. Despite reaching the semi‑finals of the FA Cup, City fell short in the Carabao Cup and again failed to make an impact in Europe’s elite competition. With standards so high at the Etihad, Guardiola is preparing for a summer overhaul.
A host of key figures could depart, none more influential than Kevin De Bruyne, whose impending exit will leave a creative void in midfield. Yet Guardiola’s priority lies at full‑back, where the club must address both experience and youth. Kyle Walker, now 34, moved to AC Milan on loan in January; although his contract runs until 2026, it is hard to envisage an extension after this season.
In Walker’s absence, 20‑year‑old Rico Lewis filled in admirably, showcasing his energy and defensive instincts. But Guardiola views Lewis’s development curve as a long‑term project rather than an immediate fix. City’s hierarchy believes they need a proven right‑back to balance their attacking philosophy.
fotnet24.net reports that Porro, 25, has emerged at the top of City’s list. After joining Tottenham in 2022—following loan spells at Real Valladolid and Sporting CP—the Spanish international has impressed with his all‑round game. Spurs value him at roughly £50 million, a figure City deem acceptable for a player of his calibre.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly given the green light to offers at or above that valuation. Porro has contributed three goals and eight assists in 46 matches across all competitions this season, underlining his attacking threat from defence. Tottenham’s need to balance the books could force their hand this summer.
Since arriving in North London, Porro has clocked exactly 100 appearances for Spurs, finding the net 10 times and creating 19 more goals. His relentless style on the flank earned plaudits from team‑mate Dejan Kulusevski, who likened his work‑rate to “a bulldog always full of energy and fun.”
City scouts first monitored Porro back in 2019, when he featured strongly for Girona in La Liga. Interest from Real Madrid briefly heated up, but Madrid turned their attention to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander‑Arnold—set to join the Bernabéu as a free agent—instead of pursuing Porro’s signature.
Beyond the right‑back role, City are also eyeing midfield anchorman Rodri, 27, who has reportedly decided on his next club amid renewed Real Madrid interest. On the opposite flank, Guardiola admires a Liverpool full‑back to compete with João Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko for a left‑back berth.
Supporters are already debating whether Porro’s dynamic style will translate to City’s meticulous possession game. Many believe his tenacity and defensive solidity will slot straight into Guardiola’s system, offering genuine competition and cover.
As the Premier League draws to a close, City will turn their focus to negotiations. Bringing in Porro could resolve a long‑term vulnerability at right‑back and signal the start of a summer refresh that aims to restore City to the summit of English football.