Tottenham transfer news: FC Porto have added Tottenham left-back João Victor de Souza Menezes to their shortlist as they search for fresh options before the new season. A report relayed by Transfer Feed claims the Portuguese side have admired the 20-year-old since his breakthrough at Santos, where their scouts first identified him as one of Brazil’s brightest young defenders. Benfica remain firmly in the picture after reports earlier this month linked them with a reported €20 million (£17 million) offer.
Tottenham transfer news: Porto add Souza to defensive shortlist
Porto have yet to settle on a final target. Instead, they continue to assess several candidates before stepping up their business during August as Francesco Farioli shapes his first squad. Souza has emerged as a realistic option because his position at Tottenham looks uncertain after a difficult opening spell in England.
Spurs signed the Brazilian from Santos in January 2026 for a reported €15 million (£13 million), handing him a contract until 2031. Minutes proved difficult to find. Souza made four Premier League appearances during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, playing only 145 league minutes and finishing with no goals or assists. He has earned 12 caps for Brazil’s Under-17 side, currently represents the Under-20 national team and carries a Transfermarkt valuation of €12 million. His absence from Tottenham’s pre-season tour has naturally increased speculation surrounding his future.
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs should resist a permanent transfer
Selling Souza after only six months would feel like an impatient decision rather than smart squad management. Tottenham recruited him because they believed he could develop into an elite full-back over several years, not because they expected instant results after arriving from Brazilian football.
Context matters. Roberto De Zerbi already has Andrew Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and Djed Spence competing for minutes on the left side. Breaking into that group would challenge almost any young defender, regardless of talent. Souza’s lack of appearances says far more about competition than ability.
A reported €20 million bid certainly offers a quick financial return. Even so, Spurs would risk giving away a player whose value could rise dramatically once he starts playing every week. His nomination for the 2026 Golden Boy award reflects the regard many scouts already have for his potential. Players with that profile rarely become available again at the same price once they establish themselves.
Tottenham transfer news: A loan would benefit everyone
Keeping Souza on the bench serves little purpose. Young defenders improve through regular football, mistakes, pressure and responsibility, none of which come from watching matches from the dugout.
A season-long loan to Portugal or another competitive European league makes much more sense. 30 or more senior appearances would strengthen his defensive decision-making, improve his confidence in possession and help him settle into the demands of European football without Tottenham giving up control of his future.
VF’s opinion:
Porto’s interest simply reinforces what Tottenham already knew when they signed Souza. Clubs across Europe still view him as one of Brazil’s outstanding young defenders. Spurs should reject every permanent proposal this summer, whether it comes from Porto or Benfica, because there is very little to gain beyond a modest profit. A straight loan protects the investment, gives Souza the football he currently needs and leaves Tottenham holding a far stronger asset instead of cashing out far too early.