Manchester City could turn to North London and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they seek out a new recruit in the right-back position, according to reports.
The Etihad Stadium hierarchy continue to map out medium and long-term solutions in a role that has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most carefully managed areas of the squad, and one that alludes them somewhat in recent markets.
Following Kyle Walker’s departure for Burnley in the summer, City have leaned on positional flexibility, with midfielders and centre-backs adapting to meet tactical demands, while recruitment staff assess the market both domestically and across Europe.
City’s approach has so far been defined by patience rather than urgency. While Matheus Nunes has impressed in spells and names like Feyenoord’s Givairo Read have been closely monitored, the club’s preference appears to be securing a proven, system-ready option capable of contributing immediately at elite level.
As planning intensifies ahead of 2026, Premier League experience, tactical intelligence, and familiarity with Pep Guardiola’s demands remain key criteria – qualities that naturally narrow the shortlist and elevate certain established names already known to the club’s leadership.
Now, according to the information of TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, the camp of Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro have had preliminary talks with the North London side about a new contract with the club.
From the side of Spurs’ hierarchy, it is revealed that they have informed Porro that they should accelerate such talks in 2026, with his current deal due to expire in 2028 and the 26-year-old earning less than £100,000-a-week – due for a significant pay rise.
Interestingly, the report reveals that Pedro Porro’s former club Manchester City are keeping tabs on the player’s situation, and would be open to bringing him back to the Etihad Stadium. It is pointed out that sporting director Hugo Viana – who took the defender to Sporting and recognised his ability – remains a huge fan of the player.
With Manchester City very much in the market for a new right-back and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento ranking highly on their list, the report insists that Viana sees Porro as an option for the club heading into the new year.
Pedro Porro’s profile would align neatly with City’s requirements, having developed into one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking full-backs while maintaining the technical discipline demanded at elite level.
His ability to operate high and wide, invert into midfield, and contribute creatively mirrors many of the traits Pep Guardiola has historically prioritised in the role. Any potential return, however, would come with financial and strategic considerations.
Tottenham are expected to push hard for a new contract, while Porro’s importance to their system would likely inflate any future valuation. City, meanwhile, must weigh the cost against alternatives such as Livramento, who remains viewed as a long-term cornerstone option.
As 2026 approaches, City’s right-back planning appears increasingly defined by flexibility – balancing immediate reliability with long-term evolution. Whether Porro becomes a genuine target or remains a contingency option will depend on how negotiations perhaps unfold in North London and how the wider market develops over the next 12 months.