Manchester City rejected Tottenham’s attempt to sign Savinho for around £59m (€70m) less than a year ago. However, the situation around the Brazilian has now changed dramatically.
That’s according to ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade. He explains the winger is now firmly on the market ahead of the summer window.
The decision has already been taken internally at the Etihad, even with uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future. Guardiola is increasingly expected to leave, while Enzo Maresca is emerging as a serious contender to replace him.
Tottenham rejection now looks very different
According to the report, City are now prepared to discuss offers between £42m and £50m (€50m-€60m). That is still considered a significant fee, especially for a player who managed only four goals and two assists in 35 matches this season.
The most striking part of the situation is how quickly Manchester City’s position has changed.
Last summer, T o ttenham pushed hard to sign Savinho and were prepared to offer close to £59m (€70m). City rejected the proposal. Guardiola still believed strongly in the player’s long-term potential.
According to ESPN, Guardiola personally blocked any serious advance from Spurs because he saw Savinho as a possible future protagonist in the squad.
The manager valued his pace, ability to attack wide spaces and flexibility across the frontline. At that stage, City believed the Brazilian would gradually become more influential under Guardiola.
Now the situation looks completely different. The club internally considering the winger “fully negotiable” this summer.
Bruno Andrade went even further in his TV comments, explaining Savinho is now “guaranteedly” a player City expect to sell in the next window.
Man City already planning post-Guardiola era
Another important detail is that the decision appears to have come from Manchester City’s hierarchy rather than Guardiola himself.
ESPN explain Guardiola has still not officially defined his future. However, growing reports indicate he is expected to leave. That uncertainty has accelerated broader planning inside the club.
Savinho’s long contract until 2031 means City are still protected financially. However, club officials now believe this summer represents the right moment to recover part of the investment made in the player while his market value remains high.
That helps explain why City lowered their demands despite previously rejecting significantly bigger money from Tottenham.
There is also a growing sense that his project simply has not worked as expected so far.
Premier League move increasingly likely
Despite the difficult season, there is still belief around the market that Savinho’s talent remains intact. The problem is the price.
Manchester City still hope to secure a package worth up to £50m (€60m), even after his reduced role this season.
That figure creates obvious complications for clubs in Spain, Germany and Italy. Bruno Andrade explained it “makes little sense” for clubs from those leagues to pay such a fee under current market conditions.
Because of that, the expectation in Brazil is that Savinho stays in the Premier League if he leaves City. The only realistic alternative mentioned was a major offer from the Middle East or Asia. Such an offer would have to be capable of completely changing the financial picture.
Otherwise, English clubs appear best positioned. It’s just hard to expect that a club would be willing to allocate up to £50m (€60m) for such an inconsistent player.