In a transfer saga that has caught the football world off guard, Tottenham Hotspur have launched an audacious bid to pry away one of Manchester City’s brightest young talents. The north London club has opened direct negotiations with Manchester City for Brazilian winger Savinho, with talks centered around a package worth approximately €50 million (£43.3 million). This unexpected development represents one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories, as Spurs seek to address their attacking deficiencies while City contemplate parting with a player they acquired just 12 months ago.
Table of Contents
The Transfer Landscape
Current Situation
Tottenham Hotspur have formally approached Manchester City about signing Savinho, with talks currently underway between the two Champions League clubs. The timing of this approach comes as no surprise given Tottenham’s recent struggles in the attacking third, particularly following the departure of club legend Son Heung-min to Los Angeles FC and the devastating long-term injury to James Maddison.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that “dialogue has taken place between the clubs and a package worth in the region of €50million (£43.3m, $58.2m) is under discussion”. However, Manchester City are not actively looking to sell the 21-year-old who only joined them last summer from sister club Troyes.
Player’s Position
What makes this potential transfer particularly fascinating is Savinho’s openness to the move. The Brazilian international has reportedly expressed willingness to consider a switch to north London, despite his recent arrival at the Etihad Stadium. Sources indicate that while City are not actively pursuing a sale, “Pep Guardiola tends not to stand in the way of players who want to leave”.
Savinho’s Manchester City Journey
Impressive Debut Season
Savinho scored three goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances for Manchester City last season, establishing himself as a valuable squad member under Pep Guardiola. His versatility across the forward line proved invaluable for the Citizens, who utilized his pace and technical ability in various attacking positions.
The Brazilian’s path to Manchester City was unconventional. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Girona, where he impressed with 9 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances, playing a crucial role in securing their maiden Champions League qualification. His prior loan spell at Girona was pivotal, where he scored 11 goals and helped secure their maiden Champions League qualification.
Competition for Places
Savinho may find game time harder to come by at City this season following the arrival of Rayan Cherki, while he faces competition from the likes of Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku. This increased competition could be a driving factor behind his willingness to consider alternative options.
Tottenham’s Strategic Motivation
Addressing Squad Deficiencies
Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham’s new manager has brought with it a clear vision for squad development. Spurs have been in the market for a number 10, and that search is intensifying after a long-term injury to James Maddison. The England international’s ACL injury has left a significant void in Tottenham’s creative department.
The north London side have also lost forward Heung-Min Son this summer after his move to Los Angeles FC, bringing an end to the captain’s decade at the club. Savinho’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition, as he can play at No 10 but is predominantly a winger.
Summer Spending Spree
Tottenham are pursuing a deal for Savinho, having spent £120.3m this summer on six signings. The club has been particularly active, with Mohammed Kudus being their most expensive signing of the summer so far after his £55m arrival from West Ham. Additionally, midfielder Joao Palhinha has joined on loan from Bayern Munich, while defenders Luka Vuskovic (£9.5m) and Kota Takai (£5m) have also joined the club this summer.
Financial Considerations
Valuation Discrepancies
While initial conversations have occurred with Tottenham over a deal worth €50 million, there appears to be some distance between the clubs’ valuations. Sources close to the Etihad Stadium suggest that Manchester City will be looking for a fee north of £50 million.
Savinho joined Manchester City from Troyes in July 2024 for around €40m, meaning any deal would represent a profit for the Citizens. However, City acquired Savinho from Troyes, another City Football Group club, for £30.8 million, highlighting the rapid appreciation in his market value.
Investment Potential
For Tottenham, Savinho represents both immediate impact and long-term investment potential. At just 21 years old, with a contract running until June 2028, the Brazilian offers versatility across the forward line and the potential to develop further in the Premier League’s demanding environment.
Tactical Implications
Guardiola’s Philosophy
Guardiola has praised Savinho in the past by calling him ‘unbelievable’, highlighting the manager’s appreciation for the young Brazilian’s talents. Pep Guardiola believes Savinho could become “extraordinary” one day and Manchester City have shown patience with young players in recent years.
Frank’s Vision
Spurs manager Thomas Frank has identified Savinho as an ideal player to strengthen the team’s attacking options. The reason why Frank particularly likes Savinho is because he is a versatile player who can play in a number of different positions in the attacking area.
Savinho, who has mainly been used on the right wing at City under Pep Guardiola, scored 11 goals for Girona in the 2023/24 season from the left side of their attack, and therefore could be a natural replacement for Son.
Transfer Statistics and Performance Analysis
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | Girona (Loan) | 41 | 9 | 10 | La Liga |
| 2024/25 | Manchester City | 48 | 3 | 13 | Premier League/All Comps |
| Total | – | 89 | 12 | 23 | – |
Financial Breakdown
| Transfer Fee Component | Amount (€) | Amount (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original City Investment | €40m | £34.5m | From Troyes (2024) |
| Proposed Tottenham Bid | €50m | £43.3m | Current negotiations |
| Potential Profit | €10m | £8.8m | 12-month appreciation |
| Market Value (Transfermarkt) | €50m | £43.3m | Current valuation |
The Bigger Picture
Premier League Dynamics
This potential transfer highlights the competitive nature of the modern Premier League transfer market. From City’s perspective, the potential transfer would create room within their squad structure and possibly free resources for reinvestment. The Citizens have already made significant additions this summer, including Rayan Cherki, which could facilitate Savinho’s departure.
International Considerations
Savinho, who has one goal in 13 appearances for Brazil, represents a significant investment in South American talent. His international experience, despite his young age, adds another layer of appeal for Tottenham as they seek to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
The potential transfer of Savinho from Manchester City to Tottenham represents one of the summer’s most intriguing storylines. With negotiations ongoing and the player reportedly open to the move, this deal could reshape both clubs’ attacking dynamics for the upcoming season. While the Brazilian is valued internally, his role could be limited by the depth of Guardiola’s current options, making a move to Tottenham an attractive proposition for all parties involved.
As the transfer window progresses, the club’s openness to player requests could ultimately pave the way for Tottenham to complete one of the more intriguing moves of the summer. Whether Tottenham can meet Manchester City’s valuation demands remains to be seen, but the foundations for a spectacular transfer are firmly in place.
Read More: Newcastle’s Eddie Howe Denies Forcing Alexander Isak to Stay Amid Liverpool Transfer Interest
FAQs
How much are Tottenham offering for Savinho?
Tottenham have proposed a package worth approximately €50 million (£43.3 million) for the Brazilian winger, though Manchester City may demand a higher fee.
Why is Manchester City considering selling Savinho after just one season?
While City aren’t actively looking to sell, they may consider offers due to increased competition for places following Rayan Cherki’s arrival and Guardiola’s policy of not blocking players who want to leave.
What position does Savinho play for Manchester City?
Savinho primarily plays as a right winger but is versatile enough to operate on the left wing, as a number 10, or in various attacking positions across the front line.
How did Savinho perform in his debut season at Manchester City?
Savinho made 48 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 3 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions, establishing himself as a valuable squad member.
Why do Tottenham need Savinho?
Tottenham require attacking reinforcements following Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC and James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury, with manager Thomas Frank identifying Savinho as an ideal addition to strengthen their forward options.
