The mercurial Premier League star Pep Guardiola should sign to replace Kyle Walker next summer
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One of the most underrated stars of the Premier League is Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, and there are reports in the media that he is being targeted by Pep Guardiola, though he is now more likely to sign a new two-year deal than leave. According to reports, one of the topics being discussed between Guardiola and Manchester City is how he will want to rebuild the squad.
City have been very strategic in the way they have signed players ever since the 115 charges were levelled against them, but they believe they have a good chance of winning the case and will invest heavily next summer.
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Hide AdOne of the things they got right after Guardiola’s first season at the club was signing Kyle Walker, with the City manager immediately recognizing that second balls were crucial in the Premier League, and he needed someone quick who could cover the ground when teams tried to catch them on counterattacks.
A key reason for this realization was a game against Chelsea, where the likes of Diego Costa and Willian tore them apart, essentially ending their Premier League title hopes.
Walker is now in the twilight of his career, and even though he’s been promoted to team captain and continues to contribute significantly, Pep is reportedly eyeing 25-year-old Pedro Porro.
The Spaniard was on the books at City but never got a game, leading to a move to Portugal, where he impressed massively before his transfer to Tottenham. At Tottenham, he has continued to stand out, and even though the club has struggled to find consistency, Porro's stock has risen.
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Hide AdThe Spanish full-back can play multiple roles, and although his speed isn’t quite as rapid as Walker’s, he is still very swift, which suits Manchester City’s style under Guardiola.
Another aspect that makes him ideal is that he is a better footballer than Walker and can easily step into midfield to create an overload. He also carries a goal threat and, every now and then, contributes to get the team out of difficult situations.
At just 25 years old, he has considerable Premier League experience under his belt, so there would be no need for adaptation. If Guardiola signs a new contract, he will be looking to stay at the club for more than 10 years, which is remarkable, given that not many managers in the world last three straight seasons, and he’s already been there for almost a decade.
A key to his success in England has been getting his signings right. The John Stones signing from Everton, which many questioned, has seen Stones become a Manchester City legend. The same applies to Walker, and Ruben Dias is on his way to legendary status if he isn’t already.
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Hide AdWhile the signing of Benjamin Mendy didn’t work out, along with a few others, overall, they have managed to get good value for money. This is something that will be on the mind of Porro if an offer were to be made.
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