Tottenham have agreed a £42m deal for Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro, with the player set to fly to London on Tuesday to undergo a medical at the club. The move looked in doubt after taking a twist when the Portuguese club called off the transfer despite a medical being planned for the star.
‘I’m grateful to Sporting, I love the club I didn’t train as I was only focused on the transfer to Spurs but I will always be thankful to the club,’ Porro told Portuguese media at the airport on Monday as he flew to London for his medical.
Those scheduled medicals were cancelled before the player took a stance of defiance, skipping training and attempting to force the move through. But talks were resurrected on Monday evening with the price rising from £39m to £42m and Sporting asking Spurs to give up a percentage of their sell-on for winger Marcus Edwards as part of the deal.
He added: ‘I am very happy for this step, but I am also leaving a club that has given me everything and I hope it goes well for them,’ before denying he forced a move through. ‘I left many friends here. They know that since I arrived I am very grateful to them. Now, I have to make my life, pursue my dream and I hope that everything goes for the best,’ he continued.
Meanwhile, Edwards joined Vitoria de Guimaraes before moving to Sporting in January 2022. The Premier League side’s financial negotiators will make structured payments towards paying off the total fee for the 23-year-old.
And when asked if he refused to train, Porro replied: ‘No, no. I just asked… they were negotiating and my head was not right. But, Sporting also understood very well and I am grateful.’
Tottenham’s interest in the Spaniard was first registered after a recent run of good form from the former Manchester City defender, including strong performances in their Champions League group stage meetings.
So far this season, Porro has bagged three goals and 11 assists in all competitions under Ruben Amorim and has cemented his position as one of the Portuguese side’s most important players.
Tottenham are also open to deadline day departures with two players possibly exiting the Premier League side. Spurs are still prepared to let Djed Spence join Rennes on loan while Bryan Gil has joined Sevilla on loan.
