Tottenham Hotspur have opened discussions with Manchester City over a potential move for Brazil winger Savinho, as Thomas Frank seeks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The 21-year-old, who has scored one goal in 13 appearances for the Brazil national team, is seen as a player with significant upside. Talks between the two clubs have taken place in recent days, although negotiations are still at an early stage.
City reluctant to sell Savinho
Despite Spurs’ interest, sources close to Manchester City insist the Premier League champions are not actively looking to sell Savinho. Any departure would likely require an offer exceeding £50m, a price that would represent a substantial profit on the £30.8m City paid French side Troyes just a year ago.
Savinho quickly established himself as a useful squad member under Pep Guardiola last season, making 48 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals. His pace, work rate, and versatility saw him deployed across the front line, though he primarily operated on the wings.
Cherki Arrival Adds Competition
City’s recent £30m signing of France winger Rayan Cherki from Lyon could, however, limit Savinho’s minutes this season. Cherki’s arrival has intensified competition for places alongside established forwards such as Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku, potentially opening the door for Savinho to consider a move in search of more regular starting opportunities.
Spurs’ Urgent Need for Reinforcements
Tottenham’s pursuit of Savinho comes after the high-profile departure of club captain Son Heung-min, who joined Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC last week. The South Korean’s exit has left a significant gap in Frank’s forward line, both in terms of goals and leadership.
Earlier in the summer, Spurs secured the £55m signing of Ghana international Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, adding creativity and flair in the final third. However, their attempt to land Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White in a £60m deal proved unsuccessful.
The urgency for further additions has grown since influential midfielder James Maddison suffered a major setback. The England international tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea, ruling him out for most of the upcoming season. Without Maddison’s creativity, Frank’s side risks lacking cutting edge in attack.
A Fitting Target
Savinho’s profile makes him a logical target for Spurs. Blessed with blistering pace, quick feet, and the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, he could provide the direct threat and unpredictability Tottenham require to replace some of Son’s output. At just 21, he also fits the club’s preference for signing young players with potential resale value.
The winger first came to prominence in his native Brazil with Atlético Mineiro, before moving to Europe with Troyes in 2022. He spent last season integrated fully into Guardiola’s squad, gaining valuable experience in domestic and European competitions.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
For Manchester City, the decision to part ways with Savinho will hinge on both the size of Spurs’ offer and the player’s own wishes regarding his role in the squad. While Pep Guardiola is known to value depth, City have shown in the past a willingness to cash in on talented squad players if the price is right.
For Spurs, securing Savinho would not only address an immediate positional need but also send a statement of ambition after losing a key figure in Son. The club’s recruitment this summer has so far combined proven Premier League talent, such as Kudus, with younger prospects capable of long-term development.
What’s Next?
The coming weeks will determine whether these early talks progress into concrete negotiations. With the transfer window still open, both clubs have time to assess their options. Tottenham are expected to continue exploring alternative targets in parallel, mindful that City’s asking price could prove a significant hurdle.
If a deal can be struck, Savinho could join in time to feature early in the new campaign, offering Frank an injection of pace and flair as Spurs aim to challenge for a top-four spot. For now, the move remains in its infancy, but Tottenham’s interest is real — and their need is urgent.
Read also: Cherki eyes Man Utd revenge after joining Man City
