Tottenham’s £39m Pedro Porro move ‘OFF as Sporting Lisbon backtrack on terms’

Tottenham’s £39million move for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro appears to be off after the Portuguese club reneged on previously agreed terms, according to reports.

The 23-year-old right wing-back had looked set to make the switch to the Premier League this month after a long pursuit by Spurs, but The Athletic have reported that the deal is now off. 

After being told he could leave the club after Saturday’s Portuguese League Cup final by president Frederico Varandas, Porro is now distraught at not being able to pursue his ideal move.  

Pedro Porro has been left distraught after Sporting Lisbon reneged on a deal with Tottenham

Sporting lost the Taca da Liga final to Porto on Saturday night

Talks between the 23-year-old and the north London side had reached an advanced stage, and the club looked set to force through a deal for the highly-rated defender. 

Sporting had already lined up former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin as a replacement for his compatriot from Barcelona. 

Spanish defender Bellerin has struggled for both form and game time under Xavi at top-of-the-table Blaugrana after a summer switch from the Gunners, and is behind Jules Kounde in the pecking order at right-back, and left-back Alejandro Balde has often been played ahead of him. 

Tottenham’s interest in the Spaniard piqued after a recent run of good form from the former Manchester City defender, including strong performances in their Champions League group stage meetings. 

Porro was reportedly told by club president Frederico Varandas that he could leave this month

So far in 2022-23 the 23-year-old has three goals and 11 assists in all competitions under Ruben Amorim, quickly cementing his position as one of the most important players at the club.

After Saturday’s League Cup final – which Sporting lost to bitter rivals Porto 2-0 – the defender appeared to make an emotional farewell to supporters, perhaps under the impression that he was on his way out of the club. 

Porro only arrived on a permanent basis in the Portuguese capital last summer, having spent two years on loan from Manchester City. 

Tottenham currently have numerous options at right-back, including Emerson Royal, Matt Doherty and Djed Spence, who arrived in summer 2022.  

Tottenham currently have three options at right-back in their current first team squad