The summer transfer window of 2025 has been a whirlwind of drama for Tottenham Hotspur, and at the heart of it is the saga of Manchester City’s Brazilian winger, Savinho. The 21-year-old, who dazzled at Girona in the 2023-24 La Liga season, has found himself at odds with his current club as he seeks a move to North London. Despite his desire to join Spurs, Manchester City have firmly blocked any potential transfer, leaving Savinho “fuming” and determined to force a move before the transfer deadline on September 1, 2025. With the clock ticking, this high-stakes standoff has captured the attention of football fans across the Premier League.
Savinho’s frustration stems from his limited role at Manchester City since joining from Troyes, a City Football Group club, for an initial £21 million in 2024. Despite making 48 appearances and contributing three goals and 13 assists in his debut season, the left-footed winger struggled to secure a consistent starting spot under Pep Guardiola. His absence from City’s season-opening squad against Wolves in August 2025, attributed to a pre-season injury, fueled speculation about his future. “If Tottenham in that case or any other club wants a player, they should call the club right?” Guardiola remarked, downplaying transfer rumors while emphasizing his desire to keep Savinho. However, sources close to the player indicate that Savinho “really wanted the Spurs move and still does,” seeing it as a chance to secure regular playing time and boost his prospects for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Tottenham’s interest in Savinho emerged as part of their aggressive push to bolster their attacking options. The departure of club legend Son Heung-min to LAFC and a season-ending knee injury to James Maddison have left Spurs desperate for firepower. Manager Thomas Frank, a long-time admirer of Savinho’s versatility, views the Brazilian as an ideal replacement for Son, capable of playing on either wing or even as a No. 10. Savinho’s standout loan spell at Girona, where he scored nine goals and provided 10 assists, showcased his ability to thrive on the left flank, a role Spurs urgently need to fill. “He’s coming into a team that is working hard for each other, and I think he will fit very well into that,” Frank said of another recent signing, Xavi Simons, hinting at the type of dynamic attacker he envisions for his squad.
Negotiations between Tottenham and Manchester City hit a wall when Spurs proposed a deal worth around £43 million (€50 million). City, however, value Savinho at well over £50 million, with some estimates suggesting a fee closer to £60 million would be required to even open discussions. “City’s hierarchy’s stance was always the same with Savinho; they did not want him to leave,” journalist Graeme Bailey noted, highlighting the club’s reluctance to part with the young talent. Despite City’s signing of French winger Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £30 million, which could further limit Savinho’s minutes, the Premier League champions remain steadfast, viewing him as a key part of their long-term plans.
Savinho’s camp has been vocal about his desire to leave, with the player reportedly “unhappy” and pushing his agents to secure a move to Tottenham. His cryptic Instagram post, captioned “Dreams are paths built by the heart,” accompanied by images of his career memorabilia, was interpreted as a public expression of his longing for a new chapter. While Guardiola is known for not standing in the way of players who wish to leave, City’s management has taken a hard line, with one club official reportedly “blocking” the transfer. “The player is keen on a move to [Tottenham] but is not breaking his relationship with [Manchester City],” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed, underscoring the delicate balance Savinho is navigating.
For Tottenham, the pursuit of Savinho has been complicated by their recent acquisition of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, a versatile attacking midfielder who could fill a similar role. “Spurs will remain attentive to the situation, should they get any encouragement; however, they have also made it clear to Savinho they are moving forward with other targets too,” Bailey added, signaling that Spurs are hedging their bets as the deadline looms. The club’s failure to secure other targets, such as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze (who joined Arsenal) and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, has heightened the urgency to land a marquee signing.
As the transfer window nears its close, Savinho’s situation remains fluid. His ambition to play regularly and shine on the global stage drives his desire to join Spurs, but City’s firm stance and the ticking clock present formidable obstacles. For Tottenham, a club-record bid could still tempt City, but with alternatives like Simons in place, they may pivot to other targets. For now, Savinho’s dream of forging a new path in North London hangs in the balance, a testament to the high-stakes drama of the transfer market.
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