It would almost be a surprise if Manchester City didn’t sign a right-back this summer. Matheus Nunes has made the position his own at City, but it does look like City needs cover for the Portuguese international in their squad. There is a case, given how well Matheus Nunes has performed in the role, that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders could sign a young right-back as an understudy to Matheus Nunes. Feyenoord’s versatile full-back Givairo Read fits this bill. Another route City could take in their search for a right-back is a player who is proven and can provide competition for Matheus Nunes. A new report has named Tottenham’s powerful right-back Pedro Porro as a potential target for City. Porro is Premier League proven, but is he the right-back that City needs right now?
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Pedro Porro this summer.
Spanish publication AS has reported that Manchester City are interested in pursuing a summer move to sign Pedro Porro from Tottenham. The AS report indicates that Manchester City have already initiated contact with Porro’s camp over a potential summer move to the Etihad. Furthermore, it is reported that City have their eyes on sealing a move for Porro ahead of the World Cup. It is also reported that Tottenham have held talks with Porro over extending his contract with the club. Porro is contracted with Spurs until 2028. AS reports that Pedro Porro hasn’t given an indication that he is keen to extend his contract. Lastly, it is reported that Tottenham have placed a £50 million price tag on the Spanish international who is part of Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Pedro Porro is a Premier League-proven right-back, but is he the right fit for City?
First of all, Pedro Porro is a proven Premier League performer, as he has shown during his time at Tottenham. Porro shines as an attacking full-back, where his powerful and quick attacking runs stand out. In fact, they are impossible to miss. Porro’s delivery and ability to progress the ball with his passing or his ability to carry the ball are attributes that would slot into a City side. Also, Pedro Porro can invert into midfield which was seen when Ange Postecoglu was Tottenham’s manager.
The question mark with Pedro Porro is on the other side of the ball. Defensively, Porro can be exposed at times. He isn’t a complete liability in one-on-one situations, but he can be beaten by dynamic wingers. That isn’t a fatal flaw for Porro, but it is one area of his game he needs to improve. Aerially, Porro isn’t the strongest, but he can compete in this aspect of the game. Porro’s ability to recover the ball isn’t elite, but it must be said that he has improved this side of his game.
Pedro Porro is an attacking right-back rather than an elite right-back on both sides of the ball. The question is, do Manchester City need this type of right-back? They already have Matheus Nunes, who has become one of the top right-backs in the Premier League. Pedro Porro isn’t an immediate upgrade on Matheus Nunes, in my opinion. If City want a player to provide competition for Nunes, Pedro Porro could definitely provide that.
Pedro Porro is the latest right-back to be named as a potential Manchester City target. The Spanish international is a proven Premier League commodity; however, it remains to be seen if signing a 26-year-old right-back is a route City will take this summer.