Pedro Porro: Barcelona interest is ‘a source of pride’ as Tottenham defender targets Champions League glory

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro says Barcelona’s reported interest in signing him is “a source of pride”, but he has not received any direct contact from the Catalan club.

Porro was speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport in Las Rozas after Barcelona president Joan Laporta described him as one of his favourite players on the Barca Reservat podcast. The Spain international said he had not seen Laporta’s comments before, but welcomed the recognition.

“It is a source of pride when one of the best clubs in the world shows an interest in you, or at least that is what is being said,” Porro said. “It probably means I am doing my job properly, and I must continue working in the same way.”

The 2026 World Cup winner has also been linked with Real Madrid. Both clubs asked about his availability during the previous summer transfer window, although Real Madrid subsequently moved for Denzel Dumfries, while Barcelona used Eric Garcia at right-back and continued to consider Porro a priority for the position.

Porro renewed his contract with Tottenham and said he remained happy at the club.

“As I have already said, I have a contract with the club and I am very happy there,” he said. “I must respect that. Rumours are normal in football, but for now I am focused on the national team. We will see what happens afterwards.”

The 27-year-old said he would like to return to La Liga at some point, while making clear that his immediate ambition was to win trophies, including the Champions League.

“Winning titles is always good, for the team and the player,” he said. “I want to win trophies and I hope that happens soon.”

Porro also addressed Tottenham’s difficult position after two seasons spent nearer the bottom of the Premier League than the leading places. He said the situation was painful but part of a new project.

“The manager took charge last year with only seven matches remaining,” Porro said. “We did not start this season in the best way, but we have begun to improve a little. I hope we can continue moving upwards.”

He believes Tottenham can challenge near the top again if they maintain the right mentality.

“We have a team capable of doing that,” he said. “We must be ambitious and have character and a positive mindset. If we develop the project properly, we can compete in the higher positions.”

Porro, who left home at 15 to move to Madrid and join Rayo Vallecano, said his guiding motto came from his grandfather: “Look far ahead, take short steps and show a little sharpness.” He explained that it meant focusing on his work and avoiding distractions.

He has recently returned from injury and said he was following a gradual plan to regain match fitness. “I am fine and have recovered,” he said. “I am feeling very good.”

Porro described playing for Spain as a privilege and praised Lamine Yamal, saying their relationship had grown during the World Cup.

“He is a wonderful young man and gives a lot to the team,” Porro said. “Playing alongside him is a great privilege because he is the best.” He added that Yamal could concentrate on attacking because Porro would support him defensively.

He also predicted a major future for Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who is 19.

“He is an exceptional player and has already achieved a lot,” Porro said. “I think he will be one of the best defenders in the world.”

For now, Porro’s priority is to regain full fitness. “My goal is to be well, return from injury in the best condition and take things day by day and step by step, while keeping the same ambition,” he said.