Barcelona consider January centre-back deal as Pedro Porro move looks more likely for summer

Barcelona are expected to prioritise a financially viable centre-back signing in January rather than make an immediate move for Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro.

The club’s defensive problems have intensified after injuries to Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Xavi Espart in recent weeks. The absences have left head coach Hansi Flick with very limited options at the back, a situation exposed in defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Barcelona suffered their first loss of the season against Paris Saint-Germain, going down 4-2 at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League. They then lost the Clasico 2-1 to Real Madrid in La Liga at Camp Nou.

According to Sport, the results have renewed the argument that Barcelona need to strengthen their defence. The club did not make a new defender a priority during the last summer transfer window, particularly after an unexpected opportunity emerged to sign Rodri.

However, club president Joan Laporta has had one particular player in mind for some time. Chavi Campos and Laia Tudel said on the Barca Reservat podcast that Laporta has been interested for several months in signing Pedro Porro, the Tottenham Hotspur right-back and Spain international.

Laporta followed Porro closely during the World Cup finals and was impressed by what he saw. His interest has continued since then, while sporting director Deco is also understood to support the idea of bringing the player to Barcelona.

The Catalan club made an initial enquiry about Porro towards the end of the summer transfer window. Discussions did not progress beyond that stage, however, because Tottenham’s asking price was reported to be more than 60m euros.

Tottenham extended Porro’s contract before the World Cup until 2031 and gave him a substantial pay rise, making him one of the club’s highest earners. Despite that commitment, Porro remains open to the possibility of returning to La Liga at some stage, leaving the prospect of a future transfer alive.

Signing him would strengthen Barcelona’s options at right-back, with Kounde able to provide cover in that position and Eric Garcia free to return to central defence.

A report by Catalunya Radio suggests Porro is unlikely to be Barcelona’s main target in the winter window because of the financial consequences of both the transfer fee and his salary.

The programme cited comments from club treasurer Ferran Olive, who said any new January signing would have to be matched by the sale of a player to ensure the deal was financially sustainable.

That makes a cost-effective centre-back, potentially on terms similar to last season’s deal for Cancelo, the more likely winter strategy. Barcelona could then consider a renewed approach for Porro during the summer transfer window.

The listed fixtures for 31 October 2026 show Tottenham Hotspur facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League, while Barcelona are scheduled to play Deportivo Alaves in La Liga.