Real Madrid eye another Premier League top target

The international right-back, has a contract in England until 2028, and the transfer cost may be a stretch.

In the intricate world of soccer transfers, few things are truly impossible. Yet, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Pedro Porro (born in Don Benito, Badajoz, in 1999) ventures into the realm of extreme complexity. Despite mutual interest between the club and the player, one nearly insurmountable barrier looms: Daniel Levy, the resolute CEO of Tottenham Hotspur.

Levy, known for his tenacious negotiation style, has proven a formidable adversary to Real Madrid in the past. Both Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez, who endured grueling talks during the signings of Luka Modrić and Gareth Bale, can attest to the toll such negotiations take. Levy’s ability to extract maximum value in high-stakes dealings has solidified his reputation as one of the toughest executives in football.

Why Pedro Porro captures Madrid’s attention

Real Madrid’s admiration for the Spanish international is not new. Porro, who plays as a right-back, has frequently been discussed as a potential successor to Dani Carvajal. Known for his defensive stability and offensive contributions, he is seen as a well-rounded option.

However, the competition for Madrid’s right-back position is fierce. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is another name on their radar. While Arnold’s offensive prowess is unmatched, doubts about his defensive consistency temper Madrid’s enthusiasm. His contract, set to expire in 2025, combined with his status as a global star, positions him as the leading candidate.

Porro, by contrast, offers a more defensively balanced profile, but the cost presents a significant hurdle. His contract with Tottenham runs until 2028, and the club initially paid Sporting CP $47.5 million less than two years ago. Levy’s valuation? A staggering $70 million—well beyond what Real Madrid is willing to entertain for this position.

Tottenham’s relentless CEO: a familiar obstacle

Daniel Levy’s reputation as a shrewd negotiator precedes him. He holds a strong professional relationship with CAA Base, the agency that represents Porro and several other Tottenham players, including James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr, Son Heung-min, and Richarlison. Despite this connection, few expect Levy to budge from his hardline stance.

Real Madrid’s reluctance to engage in negotiations at such a high price leaves Porro’s dream of wearing the famous white jersey hanging in the balance. The Spanish star, an avowed admirer of Isco, has long envisioned a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, but the obstacles seem nearly insurmountable.

The competition heats up: Manchester’s influence

Complicating matters further is Manchester United. Sources close to Porro believe that the appointment of Rubén Amorim as United’s head coach would likely spark interest in bringing the player to Old Trafford. Amorim previously coached Porro during his standout years at Sporting CP, fostering a close and productive relationship.

Manchester City also remains a potential destination. Hugo Viana, now the sporting director for City and the man who once convinced Porro to move to Sporting, could facilitate a reunion. With Kyle Walker rumored to be eyeing a move to Saudi Arabia, City may find themselves in need of a high-caliber right-back—assuming the club avoids severe sanctions for alleged financial irregularities.

A complex path forward

For Porro, donning the iconic white of Real Madrid remains a cherished aspiration. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s global profile and Daniel Levy’s unyielding stance create towering obstacles. While Porro’s skill set and dream align with Madrid’s long-term plans, the reality of modern football negotiations makes this a saga where resolution seems distant.

As the transfer window approaches, one question remains: can Real Madrid overcome the barriers of cost and competition to secure one of the most promising full-backs in Europe? Only time will tell.