Savinho open to leaving Man City amid Spurs interest

Manchester City face a pivotal transfer window decision over Savinho, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as the most credible destination for the Brazil winger. The 22-year-old has informed City he is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium, with Spurs’ pursuit now gathering momentum. City, who signed Savinho from Troyes for £30.8m last summer, are aware of the interest and have begun assessing their options.

Savinho’s future hinges on Spurs’ ambition

Tottenham’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi has identified Savinho as a key target, and the club’s interest has intensified this month. City had previously resisted Spurs’ advances last summer, but Savinho’s situation has shifted following a contract extension in October 2024 that runs until 2031. That deal now appears conditional on his willingness to stay, and the Brazilian’s stance has softened.

Savinho’s role at City has diminished under Pep Guardiola’s final season, where he managed just 36 appearances across all competitions. Competition from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo on the right flank further limited his game time, raising questions over his long-term prospects at a club that demands regular contributions.

City’s squad overhaul under Maresca

Enzo Maresca’s arrival as City’s new manager adds another layer to the Savinho equation. The Italian, who served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, inherits a squad in transition. His primary challenge is retaining Rodri, whose future remains the most pressing issue at the club.

City have offered Rodri new terms but face a potential bid from Real Madrid, where the Spain captain has long been a target. Rodri’s influence is irreplaceable—his absence last season coincided with City’s failure to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Maresca’s ability to keep Rodri will define his early tenure, with the 30-year-old instrumental in Spain’s World Cup triumph and City’s Champions League victory.

City’s stance is clear: they do not wish to sell Rodri, but his international success has heightened his profile. If Maresca cannot persuade him to stay, the club risks repeating the mistakes of predecessors who failed to retain their star players.

Grealish’s omission exposes City’s depth concerns

Jack Grealish’s exclusion from City’s pre-season tour of Asia underscores the challenges facing Maresca. The winger, who returned from a loan at Everton this summer, remains sidelined by a foot injury. His omission from the squad to face Inter Milan, K-League All-Stars, and Atlético Madrid highlights the depth issues City face in wide positions.

Maresca has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Grealish, describing him as a player with “a big heart” and a “very good guy.” Yet Grealish’s future is uncertain, with ex-Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor predicting a move abroad. The winger, who has made 157 appearances for City, has one year left on his contract and may seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

City’s transfer strategy this summer reflects a broader recalibration. With Savinho’s future unsettled and Grealish’s role in question, Maresca must balance squad harmony with the need to strengthen his options. The club’s pursuit of wingers, including Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, suggests they are preparing for a reshuffle.

Tottenham’s interest in Savinho is not isolated. Inter Milan have also entered talks with Spurs over Cristian Romero, while City’s reported interest in Neto indicates a wider market shift. These developments could force Maresca to act decisively to avoid a repeat of last season’s squad stagnation.

For Savinho, the path to Tottenham is clearer than ever. Spurs’ need for creativity on the right and City’s depth in wide areas make this a logical convergence of interests. Yet the Brazilian’s move would leave City with a void to fill—a challenge Maresca must address before the window slams shut.