Savinho, Pep Guardiola (inset, top), Manchester City badge (inset, bottom)
Savinho, Pep Guardiola (inset, top), Manchester City badge (inset, bottom)
Savinho has been dealt a blow in his ambitions to join Tottenham this week, with Manchester City standing firm on their stance that he will remain at the Etihad Stadium.
TBR Football understand City are under no financial pressure to sell Savinho, and have told the Brazilian that he won’t be sold in the final four days of the transfer window.
It is also understood that Savinho has been left unhappy with that decision, maintaining hope that a breakthrough could still be made that allows him to join Spurs before Monday’s deadline.
Savinho celebrates during Manchester City v West Ham United in the Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
However, City have a long-held stance with players who want to leave, insisting that any deal must be right for the club and their asking price must be met each time.
Ederson gives Savinho blueprint to win Man City place back after Spurs transfer saga
Assuming Savinho stays at City, which would require an almighty u-turn for them to allow him to join Tottenham, then he must focus on regaining Pep Guardiola’s trust.
Guardiola appeared unhappy with Savinho at the start of the season, confirming he had an unspecified injury. Savinho has since been posting to social media of his personal gym work away from the City training ground.
He only needs to look to fellow Brazilian Ederson for a route back into Guardiola’s good books, as Ederson also sought an exit last summer amid strong interest from Saudi Arabia.
The goalkeeper remained committed to City last season, embraced the competition with Stefan Ortega, and did not down tools. While he may still leave this summer, he would do so with Guardiola’s blessing.
Bernardo Silva explains why he wanted to leave Man City in 2022
In the summer of 2022, Bernardo Silva asked City to leave the Etihad, but he couldn’t find a club willing to pay his asking price.
He spoke to The Times later that year of feeling homesick during the Covid pandemic, and wanted to move closer to home.
Bernardo Silva and goalkeeper Ederson of Manchester City after the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
“It had nothing to do with the club. I love Manchester City. I love my team-mates, I love the fans, I love the club,” he said. “Afterwards, nothing happened. I stayed, and I will always give my best for this club as long as I stay here.”
That mentality has served Bernardo well, as he has since signed a new contract and was awarded the captaincy by Pep Guardiola this summer.
Others, like Leroy Sane and Eric Garcia have been allowed to leave a year after being denied a transfer, showing Savinho the route to winning back Guardiola’s trust and earning a potential move next summer instead.