Manchester City appear ready to part ways with long-serving right-back Kyle Walker, potentially sparking a transfer tussle that involves Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. Reports indicate that City are open to selling Walker, who has been a fixture in the team for several years, with a likely move coming as soon as 2025. The potential departure has already prompted Manchester City to look at possible replacements, and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro is reportedly a leading contender, though his price may prove a stumbling block.
### **Kyle Walker: A Veteran Defender Facing Transition**
Walker, 34, has been a significant presence in Manchester City’s defense, contributing to the club’s dominance over the past several seasons. A six-time Premier League champion, Walker has earned his place among the best defenders in England, playing a crucial role in both City’s and the English national team’s successes. However, as he enters the twilight of his career, signs suggest his influence at the highest level is beginning to wane.
In the aftermath of Euro 2024, Walker has featured less prominently for England, starting just one of the four international matches since the tournament. At Manchester City, he now finds himself second-choice behind the younger and promising Rico Lewis, whose rise at the Etihad Stadium is seen as a changing of the guard. In this context, City’s decision to list Walker for a transfer at a fee of around £15 million, as reported by *The Daily Star*, aligns with their longer-term strategic planning.
Moreover, there’s speculation that Walker could head to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli among the clubs interested in acquiring his services in 2025. Such a move would mirror the recent trend of veteran European players opting for lucrative deals in the Middle East, though nothing is set in stone just yet.
### **The Search for Walker’s Successor Begins: Pedro Porro in the Spotlight**
With City always looking to maintain their competitive edge, replacing Walker has become a priority. Although Rico Lewis is emerging as a potential long-term successor, Manchester City’s intense schedule, competing on multiple fronts, typically demands two high-quality options for each position. This is where Tottenham’s Pedro Porro enters the conversation.
According to *Football Insider*, Porro has become a prime candidate for City’s right-back slot, drawing attention not just from the reigning Premier League champions but also from Real Madrid. The 25-year-old Spanish international has impressed since joining Tottenham, showcasing his versatility as both a traditional right-back and an inverted full-back—an asset that aligns with Manchester City’s tactical setup.
However, the pursuit of Porro is far from straightforward. Tottenham is well aware of the potential interest from both Manchester City and Real Madrid, particularly if Madrid fails to secure their primary right-back target, Trent Alexander-Arnold, on a free transfer from Liverpool. The Merseyside defender is at the top of Madrid’s wishlist, but should he opt to remain at Anfield, Porro is seen as an ideal alternative.
### **Tottenham’s Price Tag Soars Amid Interest from Rivals**
Given the intense competition, Tottenham has adjusted their valuation of Porro. Earlier estimates suggested that Spurs might be willing to negotiate a fee in the £55 million to £60 million range. However, recent updates indicate that Tottenham’s asking price has surged to £80 million amid growing interest from both City and Madrid. This price hike signals Tottenham’s reluctance to lose a player they see as crucial to their future plans, while also reflecting the potential for a bidding war between two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
*Give Me Sport* recently reported that, despite the inflated fee, Tottenham might be open to a sale under the right circumstances. Porro’s original transfer to Tottenham came at a cost of £39 million, and a deal around the £80 million mark would represent a significant profit. Within Spurs’ management, there is reportedly a sentiment that if the valuation is met, a sale could be a “smart move” financially, allowing the club to reinvest the funds strategically.
### **Porro’s Journey and Rising Stock in the Premier League**
Interestingly, Porro’s connection to Manchester City is not new. He was on City’s books from 2019 to 2022 but never made a senior appearance for the team. Instead, he spent much of his contract out on loan, notably at Sporting CP in Portugal, where he thrived and eventually secured a permanent move. His performances there caught the eye of Tottenham, who brought him back to the Premier League, where he has excelled.
Porro’s ability to contribute offensively has been a highlight during his time with Spurs. He has created 15 chances in the Premier League this season alone, underlining his attacking mindset from a deep-lying position. His 16 shots further demonstrate his willingness to get forward and influence the game—traits that make him an appealing fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactics at City. According to *Football Insider*, his inverted full-back capabilities are particularly valued, matching the evolving demands of modern football.
### **Other Transfer Developments Involving Tottenham and Manchester City**
Beyond the potential Kyle Walker and Pedro Porro moves, both clubs are engaged in other transfer sagas. Tottenham may face interest from Sevilla in midfielder Archie Gray, with the Spanish club’s sporting director, Victor Orta, having a history with Gray from their time at Leeds United. A loan move in January is reportedly being considered.
On the Manchester City front, the club continues to monitor talent across Europe. One player under their radar is Barcelona’s Raphinha, though he is not a priority at the moment. City have kept tabs on the Brazilian winger for the past two years, possibly setting the stage for a future move.
In an intriguing twist, Tottenham could also be in line to bring back a former Manchester City player. Liam Delap, who left City for Ipswich Town over the summer, has caught the attention of Spurs after a series of impressive performances. The 21-year-old striker is currently valued at around £33 million, and Tottenham are seen as favorites to secure his signature.
### **Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape in the Premier League**
The potential movement of Kyle Walker and the pursuit of Pedro Porro are reminders of the constantly shifting dynamics within the Premier League. Manchester City’s hunt for a new right-back underscores their desire to remain at the cutting edge, while Tottenham’s willingness to set a high price for Porro suggests they are prepared to leverage the market’s growing demand. Real Madrid’s involvement only adds to the intrigue, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in the upcoming transfer windows.