The 21-year-old signed a long-term contract until 2031 to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, but only after serious discussions took place between City and Tottenham over a potential deal in the final weeks of the window.Tottenham’s pursuit of Savinho came in response to two major setbacks — the departure of club legend Son Heung-Min following his Europa League-winning campaign, and a season-ending ACL injury to James Maddison in August. Spurs were desperate to strengthen their attacking options, identifying Savinho as a primary target.
Having featured in over 3,000 minutes during his debut season for Manchester City, Savinho emerged as one of the club’s brightest young stars. However, City’s 2024/25 campaign was turbulent, marked as the most challenging season under Pep Guardiola to date, prompting introspection and change behind the scenes.
Following the appointment of Hugo Viana as the new director of football, Manchester City entered a new phase of squad restructuring. The summer window saw several senior exits, including Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Scott Carson, and Ederson, while Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish left on loan deals. In contrast, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders arrived to reinforce City’s creative options.
According to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Manchester City maintained a firm stance throughout negotiations, making it clear that only an extraordinary offer — believed to exceed £70 million — would convince them to sell Savinho.
Tottenham’s interest reportedly intensified once the Premier League season began, but a minor injury sustained by Savinho disrupted any potential progress in talks. While sources close to the player suggest he “fancied being a bigger fish” and was open to a move, City’s resolve to keep him ultimately prevailed.
To reinforce their commitment, Manchester City rewarded Savinho with a new deal that included a significant wage increase. The contract extension symbolized not only the club’s faith in his long-term potential but also their intention to build around him in the coming seasons.
It is also understood that Tottenham officials met directly with Manchester City executives at the Etihad Stadium in mid-August to discuss a possible deal — coinciding with City’s 2-0 victory over Brentford, secured through goals by Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.
While Savinho remains a Manchester City player, this episode underscores how highly regarded he is across Europe — and how firmly City intend to retain control over their most exciting young talents.
FAQ
Why did Savinho’s transfer to Tottenham fail?
Manchester City refused to entertain any offers below £70 million, while Savinho’s minor injury during negotiations further disrupted Tottenham’s late pursuit.
Did Savinho want to join Tottenham?
Reports suggest the winger was open to a move for a more prominent role, but ultimately respected Manchester City’s decision to retain him.
What is the length of Savinho’s new Manchester City contract?
Savinho signed a long-term contract running until the summer of 2031, including a wage increase to reflect his importance to Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Which players did Manchester City sell in the 2024 summer transfer window?
City parted ways with Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Scott Carson, and Ilkay Gundogan, while Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji left on loan deals.
Who replaced Kevin De Bruyne in the squad?
Manchester City signed Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders to strengthen their attacking midfield positions following De Bruyne’s exit.
Conclusion
Savinho’s failed transfer to Tottenham serves as another reminder of Manchester City’s unwavering stance on protecting their emerging stars. While Spurs’ interest highlighted the Brazilian’s growing reputation, City’s commitment to his long-term development remains clear. With his new contract secured, Savinho is expected to play a vital role in Manchester City’s next generation of attacking talent.
