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Savinho’s future in football has taken a dramatic twist. The Brazilian winger, currently at Manchester City, is open to a surprise move to Tottenham Hotspur. City have rejected an initial £43.3m (€50m) approach, demanding far more, but with the August transfer window closing soon, the debate is heating up — is Savinho a smart investment or a risky punt?
Savinho’s Journey from Brazil to Manchester City
Born Sávio Moreira de Oliveira, the 21-year-old grew up on his grandparents’ farm in Sao Mateus, Brazil, before joining Atlético Mineiro at age 11. He became their youngest-ever league player at 16 and youngest Copa Libertadores scorer at 18.
His career path since:
- 2022: Signed by City Football Group, registered with Troyes but never played there.
- 2022–23: Loan to PSV Eindhoven — just eight appearances due to injury, limiting his impact.
- 2023–24: Loan to Girona — 9 goals and 10 assists in 41 games, helping secure Champions League football.
- 2024: Permanent move to Manchester City for £30.8m, contract until 2028.
Tottenham’s Interest in Savinho Transfer
Tottenham Hotspur see Savinho as a solution to their creativity gap after James Maddison’s ACL injury and Heung-Min Son’s departure to LAFC. His versatility — right wing at City, left at Girona, and capable centrally — appeals to manager Thomas Frank.
Spurs’ current winger options:
- Mohammed Kudus
- Mathys Tel
- Wilson Odobert
- Brennan Johnson
- Dejan Kulusevski (injured)
Frank views Savinho as a player who can stretch defences and complement Kudus, potentially moving the Ghanaian into a No. 10 role.
Transfer Status and City’s Stance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Spurs Offer | ~£43.3m (€50m) |
| City Response | Rejected; want £50m+ |
| City View | Don’t want to sell; could reconsider if Savinho pushes |
| Player Stance | Open to move for game time before 2026 World Cup |
| Competition at City | Foden, Doku, Bobb, new signing Cherki |
City’s squad currently exceeds UEFA’s 25-player Champions League limit. They also face other potential exits, including Jack Grealish’s loan talks with Everton, which could ease squad pressure if a high-fee Savinho deal went through.
The Debate: Proven Quality or Potential Gamble?
For the move:
- Girona form (9 goals, 10 assists) shows he can deliver when trusted.
- At just 21, Savinho fits Spurs’ long-term project.
- Versatility to play across attacking positions.
Against the move:
- Just 1 goal in 29 Premier League games last season, though he added 10 assists and scored twice in other competitions.
- Spurs already have four senior wingers.
- £50m+ fee for a “rough diamond” could limit other signings.
As Spurs fan Sophie from Harrow put it:
“I am not convinced Savinho is the man for Spurs, they need proven performers not rough diamonds.”
Analyst Jay Harris echoed that skepticism:
“Pursuing Savinho feels strange given Tottenham’s winger depth… his low Premier League output raises doubts about immediate impact.”
What This Means in English Football
The Savinho saga highlights two trends in the Premier League:
- Big fees for potential: Clubs are willing to pay £50m+ for unproven top-flight output if the player fits a system.
- Squad depth dilemmas: City must trim numbers; Spurs must balance depth with quality.
For Savinho, the move could make or break his bid for a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
What’s Next for Savinho?
Before the August window closes, Spurs must decide whether to meet City’s price or move on. For City, the question is whether to keep a talented but fringe winger or cash in while demand is high.
The coming weeks will decide if Savinho stays in Manchester, heads to North London, or waits for another opportunity.
