It seems Manchester City are gearing up for a summer shake-up at right-back, with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro emerging as a top target. With Kyle Walker’s form dipping both at club level and for England, City could look to the former Sporting CP star to take up the reins in the near future.
Key Takeaway
- Man City’s Dilemma: Kyle Walker’s declining form raises the need for a new right-back.
- Pedro Porro’s Appeal: Spurs’ star leads Premier League right-backs statistically and shines in both attack and defense.
- The Price Tag: Porro, once on City’s books, would cost around £80 million… What’s up with that?
- Decision Time: Should City make their move, or explore other options?
Read on to discover why Porro might be the perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system.
Walker’s Struggles Raise Concerns
Kyle Walker, once known for his blazing pace and defensive solidity, has faced a challenging season. The 34-year-old has struggled to keep up with younger, faster opponents like Ola Aina, Adama Traore, and Timo Werner. Reports suggest City may be open to selling Walker next summer for around £15 million, with interest previously coming from Bayern Munich and the Saudi Pro League.
Why Pedro Porro Stands Out
Pedro Porro, currently lighting up the Premier League with Tottenham, is statistically the league’s best-performing right-back, according to WhoScored. His average match rating of 7.13 places him ahead of big names like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Porro’s ability to balance attacking output and defensive strength makes him a dream candidate for Pep Guardiola’s system.
Here’s why City should be excited about Porro:
- Attacking Threat: In 68 Premier League games, he’s scored nine goals and provided 12 assists. His Sporting CP record (12 goals, 20 assists in 98 games) further showcases his creative prowess.
- Defensive Solidity: Porro ranks in the 83rd percentile for interceptions (1.29 per 90) and the 87th for blocks (1.57 per 90) over the past year.
- Technical Fit: His pace, technical skill, and athleticism make him well-suited to City’s dynamic playing style.
The Price Tag Problem
Signing Porro won’t come cheap. Spurs have reportedly placed an £80 million price tag on the Spaniard, a steep figure for City, particularly since Porro was once on their books without making a senior appearance.
What’s Next?
With Walker’s decline becoming increasingly evident, City may have little choice but to make a move. Whether they’re willing to meet Spurs’ asking price remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Pedro Porro is the type of full-back who could thrive in Guardiola’s system and bring renewed energy to City’s backline.
The ball is now in City’s court—will they take the plunge?
