Manchester City is set to complete a move for Savinho, also known as Savio, on a five-year contract. The 20-year-old Brazilian right winger will become Pep Guardiola’s first major signing of the summer, securing a long-term contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2029.
Currently representing Brazil at the 2024 Copa America, Savio has been a part of the City Football Group since 2022, when Troyes FC signed him from Atlético Mineiro for an estimated fee of £13 million including add-ons. Despite his association with Troyes, Savio has yet to make an appearance for them, having spent the past two seasons on loan.
Savio’s first loan spell was with PSV Eindhoven, where he played for both their reserve team Jong PSV and the first team, making 15 appearances in total, scoring two goals and assisting four. In the subsequent season, he was loaned out to Girona, where he quickly became one of their standout players, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists. His impressive performances helped Girona qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Expressing his desire to play for Manchester City, Savio stated, “I have the goal of playing for City, yes, I think that when I was hired my goal was always to get to City and I’m working towards that.” The Brazilian will join City for a reported fee of £25 million.
Savio is versatile, capable of playing on both flanks but most comfortable as a right winger. An excellent dribbler, he ranks high among wingers for successful take-ons and progressive carries. His end product is also good, as evidenced by his 19 goal contributions in La Liga last season.
Initially, Savio was expected to be loaned out again. However, due to Bernardo Silva being linked with a move to Bayern Munich and City’s unsuccessful pursuit of Michael Olise, it seems likely that the Brazilian will remain and be part of Guardiola’s first team.
