Persistent Spurs acquire Porro after protracted negotiations with Sporting

Tottenham Hotspur's persistence finally paid off.

Following lengthy negotiations with Sporting CP over the signing of Pedro Porro, Spurs eventually reached an agreement to acquire the wing-back, unveiling the Spaniard just minutes before Tuesday's deadline.

Porro moves on an initial loan until the end of the season. Tottenham will have an obligation to make the deal permanent this summer. That will cost €45 million, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The two sides seemingly had a deal in place over the weekend before the Portuguese club reneged on terms of the proposed transfer on Monday, a development that left the move in limbo and the player "distraught," according to Ornstein. Tottenham initially had medical tests booked for Monday to finalize the signing, but Sporting changed the conditions of the deal, reports transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

But the two clubs returned to the negotiating table for a last-ditch effort, reviving the deal and eventually agreeing to terms. Porro arrived in London on Tuesday to complete his medical and put pen to paper on a contract.

Porro featured in Sporting's 2-0 loss to FC Porto in the Taca da Liga final on Saturday. He was seen waving to fans after the match in what appeared at the time to be an unambiguous farewell on the player's part.

Tottenham, in need of reinforcements in their push for a top-four place, were been tenacious in pursuing Porro despite Sporting's initial reluctance to sanction a sale during the season.

Porro becomes the second marquee addition to Antonio Conte's squad in January following the loan signing of winger Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal. Conte was especially keen to bolster his options at right wing-back, where Emerson Royal has been the primary starter this season. Matt Doherty was also utilized, while the seldom-used Djed Spence accrued just seven league minutes to his name before joining French club Rennes on loan prior to Porro's arrival. Doherty, meanwhile, had his contract terminated by mutual consent and then signed for Atletico Madrid.

One of Sporting's key players this season, Porro recorded two goals and six assists in 14 league matches, establishing himself as a dangerous attacking threat down the right flank. Sporting signed Hector Bellerin from Barcelona as his replacement.

Porro's move could benefit Manchester City, too.

The reigning English champions shipped Porro to Sporting on a permanent basis last summer following a successful loan spell, but they retained a sell-on clause reportedly worth 30% of any future sale. Porro didn't make an official appearance for Pep Guardiola's team after arriving from Girona in 2019.