Savinho misses Manchester City training amid ongoing talks over his proposed £85 million move to Tottenham.
Manchester City winger Savinho was absent from first-team training today, adding another layer of drama to one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer window. While official club channels from Etihad Stadium have attributed the 22-year-old’s absence to an unexpected illness, the development occurs amidst intense, ongoing negotiations regarding his proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian international has made his intentions unmistakably clear to club hierarchy as both teams work to finalize a major transfer agreement.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Savinho did not take part in Manchester City’s scheduled training session as preparations continue for the upcoming domestic fixtures. Official sources within Manchester City, as initially reported by Sam Lee, stated that the wide attacker was unable to train due to feeling unwell. However, coming on the heels of Tottenham formalizing a record-setting £85 million proposal to match City’s original asking price, the timing of the player’s absence has drawn significant attention across the football world.
Regardless of the official reason provided for his training absence, Savinho’s personal position regarding his future remains completely resolute. Romano confirmed that the Brazilian international has once again explicitly communicated to Manchester City officials this week that he wants to leave the club and complete a permanent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. His determination to secure a move to North London has been evident throughout recent weeks, underscored by his recent decision to remove references to Manchester City from his social media profiles as negotiations reached a critical juncture.
🚨⚠️ BREAKING: Savinho, not involved in Man City training today.
City sources say absence due to illness, as @SamLee reports.
Understand Savinho has been clear once again this week: he wants to leave and join Tottenham. ❗️ pic.twitter.com/EACNzBP6Vu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2026
Tactical Integration in Roberto De Zerbi’s System
For Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi, securing Savinho is viewed as the cornerstone of his attacking rebuild ahead of the new campaign. De Zerbi envisions the Brazilian occupying the primary right-wing slot, operating as an inverted attacker who can isolate defenders in one-on-one situations and cut inside onto his lethal left foot. His direct dribbling, line-breaking pace, and ability to create chances in tight spaces would add a dynamic dimension to Tottenham’s frontline, pairing seamlessly with central playmakers like Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke.
With personal terms already fully aligned between Savinho and Tottenham, the remaining hurdles center on finalizing the payment structure and bonus add-ons between the two Premier League clubs. Manchester City have been actively exploring potential wing replacements in the European market in anticipation of the sale. As deadline day approaches, Savinho’s explicit push for the transfer places significant momentum behind Tottenham, bringing the £85 million deal closer to official completion.