Pedro Porro: Barcelona interest is ‘flattering’ but I’m happy at Tottenham

Pedro Porro says Barcelona’s interest in him is “flattering”, but insists he is happy at Tottenham and will respect his contract.

The 27-year-old right-back was speaking to Spanish newspaper SPORT while away with Spain. When he was told that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had called himself a fan, Porro’s first reaction was a surprised “Really?!”

Pedro Porro on Barcelona interest

Porro was asked directly about the Barcelona links. According to Sports Mole, he said:

“Yes, of course it’s flattering. When one of the best clubs in the world is interested in you, or at least that’s what they say, it’s always a good thing, because it probably means I’m doing my job well.

“I have to keep going in the same direction.”

He was then told about Laporta’s praise.

“I hadn’t seen it. It’s also a compliment on his part.

“As I said before, it’s good when, for example, the president of another club, not mine, values my work. It certainly means I’m doing things right.”

“I have a contract with my club”

Porro was careful not to stir things up with Spurs.

“I have a contract with my club and I’m very happy there. I also have to respect that.

“Obviously, that’s football: things come up, rumours circulate, but right now I’m focused on the national team and then we’ll see.”

That last line will keep the rumours alive. Porro did not rule anything out, but he did not ask to leave either, and he spoke as warmly about Tottenham as he did about Barcelona.

It is not the first time he has been asked. Two weeks ago he admitted, as reported by Spurs Web, that he would love to return to Spain one day.

How long is Pedro Porro’s Spurs contract?

Porro signed a new deal in June, while he was at the World Cup with Spain. It runs until June 2031, and Spurs have the option of a further year.

That gives Tottenham a strong hand in any talks, and Barcelona would have to pay big money to prise him away. TEAMtalk reports that Real Madrid are also keen and that Porro would prefer a return to Spain for his next move. The same report claims Barcelona are thinking about a January approach but would need to raise funds first.

A World Cup winner in his prime

Porro has been one of Tottenham’s most reliable players since joining. When he signed his new contract, he had 13 goals and 26 assists in 152 games for the club. He made 47 appearances last season, more than any other Spurs player, as they avoided relegation on the final day.

He then won the World Cup with Spain in the summer, which has made him one of the most talked-about full-backs in Europe. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked, according to TEAMtalk, but he appears set on Spain when he does move.

From Girona to north London

Porro started his senior career at Girona before Manchester City signed him in 2019. He never played a league game for City, going on loan to Real Valladolid and then Sporting CP.

Sporting signed him permanently, and he became one of the best attacking full-backs in Portugal. Tottenham brought him to the Premier League on loan in January 2023 before making the move permanent that summer. A move to Barcelona would take him back to La Liga, where his career began.

What it means for Tottenham

Spurs fans will be pleased to hear Porro talk about respecting his contract. Roberto De Zerbi’s side lost 1-0 at Leeds in their last Premier League game before the international break, with Porro substituted in the 65th minute. Read our Leeds 1-0 Tottenham match report for more.

Losing their best attacking full-back would make things even harder. With his contract running until 2031, any move would have to be on Tottenham’s terms, but “then we’ll see” means this story is not finished.

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FAQ

Is Pedro Porro leaving Tottenham?
Not for now. Porro says he is happy at Spurs and must respect his contract, though he has admitted he would like to return to Spain one day.

When does Pedro Porro’s contract at Tottenham end?
June 2031, with an option for a further year.

Which clubs are interested in Pedro Porro?
Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to reports, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City also linked.