Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £85 million, bringing the long-running transfer saga to an end.
The 22-year-old, who will be known as Sávio at Tottenham, has joined Roberto De Zerbi’s side on a permanent transfer after two seasons at Manchester City. The reported package consists of an initial £75 million fee plus up to £10 million in add-ons.
The move represents another major step in Tottenham’s extensive squad rebuild under De Zerbi, following the arrivals of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Sávio has already welcomed the opportunity to continue his development in north London, saying he was convinced by his discussions with De Zerbi.
“It’s taken a while but I’m very happy to be here,” the Brazilian said after completing the move. He also praised the club and described De Zerbi as one of the world’s leading managers.
Sávio leaves Manchester City after two seasons
Sávio joined Manchester City in 2024 after an impressive loan campaign at Girona. His performances in Spain had attracted widespread attention, with the winger contributing 11 goals in 41 appearances during a breakthrough season that helped Girona finish third in La Liga and qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
His time at City, however, was more difficult.
The Brazilian made 84 appearances for the club and scored seven goals, while also helping City win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his final season. Manchester City’s official account confirmed his departure and thanked him for his contribution over two campaigns.
Sávio also reflected positively on his spell at the Etihad, thanking the club’s players, staff and supporters and saying he had developed both as a footballer and as a person during his time in Manchester.
His Premier League opportunities were limited, though. He made 24 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign and started only seven of them, increasing the appeal of a move where he is expected to have a more prominent role.
Tottenham offer a fresh opportunity
For Tottenham, the signing is another statement of intent after a difficult 2025/26 season.
Spurs survived relegation on the final day of the previous campaign and have since embarked on a significant reconstruction under De Zerbi. The Italian manager has repeatedly stressed the importance of creating a new identity based on organisation, character and a clear playing style.
Sávio’s profile fits that project. The winger is known for his ability to attack defenders, operate from wide areas and create opportunities through his dribbling and close control.
His breakthrough at Girona demonstrated the attacking threat Tottenham hope to unlock more consistently. According to the club’s announcement, he recorded 104 completed dribbles in La Liga during that loan campaign, 18 more than any other player in the competition.
De Zerbi has also identified the Brazilian’s qualities as a valuable addition to his attack, particularly his energy and creativity from wide positions.
Record Manchester City sale
The transfer is also significant for Manchester City.
The £85 million package makes Sávio the club’s record outgoing transfer, according to reports surrounding the deal. City are continuing to reshape their squad after the departure of several established players as manager Enzo Maresca oversees another stage of the club’s transition.
City’s official announcement confirmed that Sávio leaves after 84 appearances and seven goals, while the club’s director of football Hugo Viana praised his development during his two seasons in Manchester.
The move therefore gives both clubs a clear objective. Tottenham are acquiring a winger they believe can become a central figure in their rebuilt attack, while City have secured a substantial return from a player who never established himself as an automatic starter.
For Sávio, the transfer provides the chance to turn the promise shown at Girona into sustained Premier League production. Tottenham, meanwhile, will hope his pace, dribbling and creativity can help transform a squad that spent much of last season fighting to avoid another relegation battle.
The transfer closes a pursuit that Tottenham had previously failed to complete and gives De Zerbi another significant attacking option as Spurs attempt to establish a new direction in the Premier League.
