Man City boss Pep Guardiola has shared an update on top Tottenham transfer target Savinho, amid Spurs’ ongoing talks to sign the Brazilian.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Lilywhites opened talks with City over a deal for Savinho, alongside Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy aiming to back Thomas Frank by signing both players in separate moves (Fabrizio Romano).
Son Heung-min departed N17 after 10 memorable years for LAFC nearly a fortnight ago, while playmaker James Maddison will be absent for most of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United.
Frank desperately needs replacements for both men, not to mention Dejan Kulusevski, who is expected to remain out for a long time with his knee injury.
However, reports suggest that Tottenham have a long way to go before agreeing a deal for Savinho in particular.
His agent, Frederico Moraes, told journalist Jorge Nicola in the last few days that City knocked back Tottenham’s opening bid for the 21-year-old, worth around £42 million, as the Premier League heavyweights hold out for around £67 million.
Savinho wants to join Spurs, though, and Moraes has jetted to Europe in an attempt to push through his client’s desired move. The ex-Girona sensation is looking to play his way into Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup by becoming a star mainstay in north London (The Mail), and Frank personally wants him.
“My understanding is that the coach, Thomas Frank, is really pushing to have Savinho and to make him one of the stars of the squad,” said Fabrizio Romano to GiveMeSport this week.
“So, of course, Savinho, from what I’m hearing, is really, really tempted by this opportunity. Let’s see between clubs what happens, because 50 or 55 million euros will never be enough for Manchester City to give the green light to this deal.”
The desire to make it happen is clearly there on both Savinho and Tottenham’s side, but the two parties still have a major roadblock in the form of City to conquer.
Pep Guardiola makes damning Savinho admission amid Tottenham talks
Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Sky Blues’ Premier League opener against Wolves, Guardiola shared some bad news about Savinho amid Tottenham’s pursuit of the winger.
Guardiola confirmed that Savinho will be out for weeks after picking up an injury against Palermo in their final pre-season game, so even if Levy does manage to pull off a deal, the player may not even be ready and available for Frank.
“Kovacic is not ready, Josko is not ready, the others are,” he began.
“They will travel tomorrow and selection we will see. Tomorrow we decide.
“Savinho is injured from Palermo. Few weeks he will be out.”
The City head coach did comment on his player’s links to Spurs as well, calling him an “extraordinary” player, whilst expressing his wish for Savinho to remain at Eastlands for many years.
“I don’t know. If it is Tottenham in that case or another club, if any club wants a player, they should call the club like we do,” Guardiola continued.
“I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years because at 21, with the potential he has, he is an extraordinary player.
“Otherwise, he would not have played more than 3,000 minutes last season. At the end, the desire of the players is above everything. But then they have to find an agreement with the club. If they don’t take an agreement, the player will be here.”
