Sunday night saw a surprising transfer story break, as it was reported that young Brazilian winger Savinho was wanted by Tottenham Hotspur. It was reported that Spurs are hoping to sign the player for around €50m (£43m), with Manchester City expected to demand a considerably higher fee than that.
🚨⚪️ EXCL: Tottenham open club to club talks to sign Savinho from Man City!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2025
Negotiations ongoing between Spurs and City, also understand Savinho’s open to the move if the clubs can agree on fee.#THFC boss Thomas Frank indicated Savinho as ideal player.@MatteMoretto 🫱🏻🫲🏽 pic.twitter.com/4n1vD2sXUF
Should City sell?
It seems strange that City would consider selling such a promising young winger following a decent debut season for the club. Savinho did not light the Premier League up, but his 10 assists was better than any other City player managed in the league. One concern is his profligacy in front of goal, with only one league goal and numerous chances squandered. I would be very surprised if City were to sell at anything around the proposed fee from Spurs, which would only represent a small profit on what they spent last season on the player. Additionally, City will be aware of the money that the London club were willing to spend on Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, and will know that they still have that money to spend. Spurs will need to considerably up their bid if they are to budge City, who are open to, but not actively seeking to, sell the player.
Who could replace him?
In the wake of this news breaking, subsequent reports have proposed two possible replacements should City sell Savinho to Spurs. The first of these is Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig, a versatile attacking midfielder who could offer City depth both at right-wing and elsewhere. The suitability of this might be questionable though, given that the squad already has Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden, who both offer similar versatility, and given the very high fee Leipzig will surely ask for the Dutch player. The second option is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who is valued by the Spanish club at around €100m (£86m). This would be a divisive move within City’s fanbase, especially given the player’s history of performances against the club in the Champions League. Questions also would be asked of how a player who has specifically complained about being played on the right would be able to replace a right winger. It is undeniable, however, that Rodrygo would bring a goal-sense that City lacked last season out wide.
🚨🔵 Manchester City are considering move for Rodrygo after imminent exits.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2025
Grealish gone, McAtee and Savinho can leave… and #MCFC see Rodrygo as dream target, Guardiola big fan.
Real Madrid will let him leave if player wants - asking around €100m.
🎥 https://t.co/tXq2QCVE8s pic.twitter.com/x2YScL0ehH
Internal solutions?
It is also possible, with multiple contracts expiring next summer, that City will look to bank any fee received for Savinho and will hope to find solutions within the squad as it is. The most obvious of these is star youngster Oscar Bobb, who will be like a new signing following his major injury at the beginning of last season. If Savinho leaving would mean significant minutes for Bobb, and if Bobb is fit and ready to truly break out this season, the loss of Savinho might be offset without needing to bring anyone else in. Additionally, if Pep Guardiola is seeking to fit both Cherki and Foden into the team at the same time, playing one of them on the right would be a way to allow them to coexist.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Spurs will need to increase their bid for any of these situations to arise. The timing of the deal is also notable, with only 5 days before City kick off their season against Wolves. Movement will surely need to be quick, or else City will block off any deal so as not to upset their squad balance following the season’s beginning.
