Tottenham transfer news this winter will centre on protecting what Roberto De Zerbi has started building rather than reshaping it. Spurs reach November adapting to his ideas after a turbulent 2025/26 campaign that brought inconsistent performances under previous management. De Zerbi has steered the club into high-possession, brave build-up football, yet his bait-and-press system remains a work in progress. Tottenham are still fighting to establish consistency in the upper tier of the Premier League table.

The summer reflected that priority. Rather than recycling the right-back slot, the board spent its energy tying down foundational talent, and the crowning piece of business was a long-term extension for the position’s key player. That contract runs until 2031, with a club option for an extra year, and it locks his market value at a minimum of €70m (£61m).

Behind him, Spurs rely on Malo Gusto, the product of a year of monitoring and defensive reinforcement work, along with flexible backups who can tuck into a back three. None of them matches his security on the ball, which explains why the club prioritised his long-term future.

Tottenham transfer news: Barcelona’s price problem

According to Sport, as detailed by Sport Witness, the Catalan club remain highly keen on right-back Pedro Porro but refuse to meet Tottenham’s €70m (£61m) valuation. Their reported answer is to ask the 27-year-old’s representatives to have him personally convince Spurs to lower the price. Porro reportedly welcomes a Spain return, but forcing an exit is complicated after he committed until 2031, leaving Tottenham no incentive to discount.

Why De Zerbi relies on Porro

Under De Zerbi, the Spaniard works as an inverted playmaker, creating numerical overloads in central zones. His spatial awareness lets him drop inside as a temporary midfielder and break the first pressing line, and his calmness suits the deep invitations that bait opponents.

Risks include turnovers against a low block, over-ambitious vertical passes and isolation against explosive wingers, but De Zerbi accepts them because his system needs full-backs comfortable with their backs to the touchline.

Should Tottenham refuse to negotiate for Pedro Porro?

Tottenham need him, and selling would leave a structural void the winter market cannot repair cheaply. Barcelona’s request that Porro lower the price shows they lack leverage, while Spurs hold all of it. The board should refuse any negotiation below €70m, dismiss January overtures, and note that Barcelona are prioritising left-footed centre-backs and cheaper options such as Iván Fresneda. Porro defines how Tottenham build from the back, and no fee Barcelona can afford replaces that.