Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a major attacking addition after reaching an agreement with Manchester City for Brazilian winger Savinho in a deal that could rise to £85 million.
The agreement is understood to involve an initial £75 million payment, with a further £10 million available in performance related add ons. Savinho is expected to complete his medical before putting pen to paper on a long term contract in north London. Recent reports now indicate that the transfer is at an advanced stage, although the final formalities still need to be completed.
For Tottenham, the move represents much more than another expensive transfer. It is an attempt to bring one of Brazil’s most exciting young attacking players into a team being reshaped under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Savinho is only 22, but his journey to this point has already been remarkably colourful.
Born Sávio Moreira de Oliveira in São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil, on April 10, 2004, Savinho grew up far away from the glamour normally associated with elite football. His childhood was spent partly on his family’s farm, where his family raised cattle and produced milk. It was a quiet upbringing that contrasted sharply with the international football career that would eventually follow.
His football ability became obvious at an early age. Atlético Mineiro discovered him when he was only 10, and he eventually moved away from home to join the club’s academy. His mother later joined him and remained with him during his development until he reached adulthood.
Savinho’s rise through Atlético Mineiro was exceptionally quick. He signed his first professional contract at just 16 and made his senior debut in 2020. He later scored his first professional goal against Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores, further demonstrating that he was comfortable competing against experienced players despite his age.
His potential eventually attracted European attention.
In 2022, Savinho joined Troyes, a club within the City Football Group network. His first European season did not go exactly according to plan, as injuries limited his opportunities during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. He then moved to Girona for the 2023/24 campaign, and that decision proved to be the turning point in his career.
At Girona, Savinho exploded onto the European scene.
He played 41 matches in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists as Girona produced one of the most impressive campaigns in Spanish football. The club finished third in La Liga and secured Champions League qualification, while Savinho became one of the league’s most dangerous young wingers.
His style immediately attracted comparisons with some of Brazil’s greatest modern attackers.
Savinho is particularly dangerous when facing defenders one on one. He possesses explosive acceleration, close control and the confidence to take opponents on repeatedly. His ability to receive the ball wide, cut inside or drive towards the byline makes him difficult to predict.
Girona manager Michel was so impressed that he compared Savinho’s one on one ability favourably with Vinicius Junior, describing him as an exceptional attacking talent.
His performances in Spain also earned him a call up to the Brazil senior team.
Savinho made his international debut against England in March 2024 and later scored his first Brazil goal during a 4 1 victory over Paraguay at the Copa América. His rapid progression from Brazilian academy football to international football made him one of the country’s most closely watched young players.
Manchester City subsequently brought him to England in 2024 for a reported £30.8 million, believing that his potential could eventually translate into a starring role at the Etihad Stadium.
Although Savinho showed flashes of his ability in Manchester, consistent first team football proved difficult to secure. Last season, he made 24 Premier League appearances but started only seven matches, according to Sky Sports.
That lack of regular playing time has now opened the door to a new opportunity.
Tottenham believe Savinho can become a central figure in their attack rather than another player competing for limited minutes. The Brazilian’s pace and creativity could add a completely different dimension to De Zerbi’s attacking system.
The financial scale of the deal also demonstrates Tottenham’s ambition. Spurs have already invested heavily this summer, including major moves for midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. The addition of Savinho would push their spending even higher as the club attempts to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of English football.
For Manchester City, the sale would represent a significant profit on the investment made in Savinho. City paid around £30.8 million for the winger, meaning an £85 million package would represent a substantial increase in value.
But for Savinho, the most important part of the transfer is not the price tag.
It is the opportunity.
At Tottenham, he will have the chance to demonstrate that the player who dazzled at Girona is still there. He will also face the pressure that comes with being one of the club’s most expensive signings.
The Premier League will provide a demanding test, but Savinho has already shown that he is comfortable taking on new challenges.
From the quiet surroundings of his family’s farm in Espírito Santo to Atlético Mineiro, PSV, Girona, Manchester City and now Tottenham, his career has developed at remarkable speed.
The next chapter could be the biggest one yet.
If Savinho can reproduce the confidence, creativity and directness that made him such a sensation in Spain, Tottenham may have secured far more than an expensive winger. They could have found an attacking star ready to announce himself on the Premier League stage.
