Tottenham may soon find Pedro Porro being asked to do Barcelona’s negotiating for them.
The Catalan club still want the right-back, but there’s a problem. They have no intention of paying anything close to what Spurs are demanding.
So Barcelona have reportedly come up with a solution: get Porro himself to convince Tottenham to lower their price.
It’s quite a request, especially considering the defender only signed a new long-term contract a few months ago.
Barcelona want Porro to bring Tottenham’s price down
According to Sport, Barcelona have told Porro’s representatives that the player must get directly involved if he wants the move to happen.
Tottenham value the Spaniard at around €70m (£61m), which the Catalan club consider completely unreasonable.
Barcelona have therefore asked Porro’s camp to negotiate a more affordable exit. They won’t entertain the figures Spurs currently have in mind.
That’s a rather convenient arrangement for Barcelona. They want the player, Hansi Flick approves of his signing, but they’re hoping Porro can do the difficult bit.
Sport also claim the 27-year-old feels his time in the Premier League may be coming to an end. He’s keen on returning to Spain and would welcome a move to Barcelona.
Whether that translates into any willingness to push Tottenham for a transfer is another matter.
After all, Porro signed a contract until 2031, with an option for another season. Spurs have little reason to offer a discount just because Barcelona would appreciate one.
January looks difficult – And Barcelona have other priorities
There’s also some interesting background to how long this has been going on.
Sport reveal Barcelona first contacted Porro’s camp last summer. A deal was dependent on the club making a major defensive sale, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé both considered possible departures.
Neither left, so the idea was shelved. The situation hasn’t improved much since.
A January transfer is now considered almost impossible without another significant sale. Barcelona are also prioritising a cheaper left-footed centre-back, which puts Porro further down their immediate shopping list.
Real Madrid, previously mentioned as another interested club, are now considered practically out of the race because of their existing right-back options. Barcelona also have Sporting’s Iván Fresneda as a potentially cheaper alternative.
That leaves Porro with a fairly awkward proposition. Barcelona clearly like him, and Sport suggest the feeling is mutual. Yet the Spanish club aren’t prepared to pay Tottenham’s valuation and want the defender to help change that.
So Barcelona may be hoping he can make their lives easier. Tottenham, meanwhile, have every reason to stick to their price.
