Soccer Football - Primeira Liga - Benfica v Sporting CP - Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal - January 15, 2023 Benfica's Alejandro Grimaldo in action with Sporting CP's Pedro Porro REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Sporting CP are reportedly ‘softening’ their stance on Tottenham Hotspur paying the release clause of right-back Pedro Porro to sign him this month.
The Lowdown: Final offer prepared
It was recently reported that Spurs are ‘preparing’ a final offer to sign Porro, with it being unclear as to exactly how much it will be.
It is added that Sporting will continue to insist on them paying Porro’s clause, which amounts to €45m (£40m).
The Latest: Stance ‘softening’
As per The Daily Mail, Sporting may be ‘softening’ their stance with regards to Tottenham paying the full release clause, and they may now accept an offer of £30m plus bonuses for Porro.
They are also thought to be ‘weighing up an offer’ for Heerenveen full-back Milan van Ewijk as his potential replacement, and ‘further talks are planned this week’ with director Fabio Paratici over Porro’s possible switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Verdict: Big boost
The fact that Sporting may finally come down on their original asking price of £40m for Porro is certainly a big boost for the Lilywhites’ hopes of signing him before the window closes.
Hailed as a ‘special talent‘ by journalist Zach Lowy, and a ‘perfect‘ signing for Antonio Conte by Sky Sports’ Kevin Hatchard, Porro already boasts an impressive three goals and 11 assists in total from right wing-back in all competitions so far this season, and ranks in the 99th percentile of all his positional peers for several key metrics in Europe’s top leagues over the past year.
Nonetheless, at 23 years of age, Porro has still not reached his full potential, and under Conte’s coaching, he could really thrive in his wing-back system.
About the Author
