Manchester City urged to move fast for Tottenham’s Pedro Porro after Matheus Nunes struggle

Manchester City’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid has left more than just a dent in the club’s European ambitions. Pep Guardiola’s side were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, which saw Vinicius Junior score twice to overturn Erling Haaland’s earlier goal, sealing a 5-1 aggregate triumph for the Spanish giants. While the result was disappointing, Guardiola’s team selection and the defensive struggles highlighted a growing concern: City’s lack of a specialist right-back.

For much of the season, Matheus Nunes, a central midfielder by trade, has been deployed at right-back due to City’s decision not to strengthen the position last summer. This experiment, however, has shown its limitations on the biggest stage. Nunes was initially dropped from the starting lineup for the first leg against Real Madrid in favour of Abukodir Khusanov, signalling Guardiola’s reservations about the Portuguese international’s ability to cope against top-level opponents. Despite being reinstated for the second leg, Nunes’ struggles were apparent.

Against a rapid and skilful attacker like Vinicius Junior, Nunes lacked the necessary pace and defensive awareness. He was dribbled past twice, failed to make a single defensive intervention, and won only two of six ground duels. Offensively, the midfielder-cum-defender also failed to make an impact, creating no meaningful chances despite his shift to a wing-back role in the second half. These performances underline the reality that while Nunes has been reliable in the Premier League, the Champions League exposes the gap between a makeshift right-back and a specialist in that position.

City’s solution, according to multiple reports, is Tottenham’s Pedro Porro. The Spanish international is highly regarded for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive work rate, all qualities that would address the weaknesses currently exposed in Nunes’ game. Porro, 25, is no stranger to City, having been on their books from 2019 to 2022, although he never made a senior appearance due to loan spells at Real Valladolid and Sporting CP. His performances in Portugal earned him a move to Spurs, where he has spent the past three years establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent right-backs.

Porro’s development at Tottenham has been impressive. His ability to shuttle up and down the flank, deliver accurate crosses, and maintain defensive solidity makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system. With City looking to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title next season, securing a player of Porro’s calibre is seen as essential. Sources have indicated that City are monitoring his situation closely, particularly in light of Tottenham’s attempts to tie him down to a new contract. This adds urgency to Manchester City’s plans, as any delay could see negotiations complicated or the player committed to a long-term deal in North London.

The broader picture also points to a strategic shift for Guardiola. City have been largely successful this season despite the absence of a specialist right-back, but the European stage has revealed the vulnerabilities of improvisation. Nunes’ performances, while commendable for a midfielder playing out of position, cannot mask the need for a specialist capable of handling elite attacking talent in high-stakes matches. Porro represents that solution, providing both defensive security and attacking thrust down the right flank.

The summer transfer window will therefore be crucial. Guardiola’s side must act decisively if they hope to strengthen their squad in a position that has caused problems at the highest level. Securing Porro would not only improve City’s defensive resilience but also offer Guardiola tactical flexibility, allowing Nunes to return to his natural midfield role where his creativity and vision are most effective.

In short, Manchester City’s Champions League elimination has served as a reminder of the gaps in their squad. While Nunes has been a stopgap solution, the Citizens now face the challenge of planning for the future. Landing Pedro Porro is likely to be a top priority, ensuring City are not left exposed again in the coming season as they look to reclaim domestic supremacy and mount a serious European challenge. The clock is ticking, and City must move quickly to secure a player who could make an immediate impact at the Etihad.

With the Premier League title race heating up and the next European campaign approaching, Guardiola will be acutely aware that action in the transfer market is not optional—it is essential. The right-back issue has been laid bare, and Pedro Porro could very well be the key to closing that gap.