Tottenham Hotspur are nearing a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho for approximately £65 million, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The pursuit of the 22-year-old Brazilian has become the club’s primary transfer objective, with journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that alternative links, such as those to Napoli’s Antonio Vergara, are unfounded.
Tottenham’s Strategic Pivot to Savinho
Spurs have identified Savinho as their top target for the winger position, setting aside interest in other high-profile names. While reports suggested AC Milan’s Rafael Leao had signaled a willingness to join Tottenham in a deal worth roughly €50m, the club appears to have prioritized the acquisition of the Manchester City player. The move for Savinho represents a significant financial commitment, with the proposed fee reaching £65 million.
This pursuit marks a return to a long-term target. Tottenham previously made contact for the player last summer and were reportedly prepared to offer £60 million at that time. While the deal stalled as Manchester City opted to retain the winger, Savinho’s desire to secure more consistent playing time—having felt underused under Pep Guardiola—has remained a recurring theme in transfer discussions.
Pro Tip: When evaluating transfer rumors, look for confirmation from primary sources like Fabrizio Romano, who recently clarified that links between Tottenham and Antonio Vergara were incorrect, noting that Vergara is instead finalizing a new contract at Napoli.
Manchester City’s Response and Youth Recruitment
Manchester City’s willingness to part with Savinho has prompted the club to monitor the market for replacements. According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, City are tracking 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The teenager, who represented Senegal at the World Cup, is seeking a move to secure regular competitive football as he looks to advance his career under the guidance of agent Jorge Mendes.
City’s recruitment strategy remains fluid. The club previously explored the possibility of signing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as a successor to Savinho, though that transfer did not materialize.
Market Context: Why Other Targets Fell Through
Tottenham’s transfer activity has been shaped by the availability of other targets. The club’s interest in Cody Gakpo was effectively curtailed by Liverpool, who confirmed they have no intention of selling the Dutch forward this summer. By focusing on Savinho, Tottenham is concentrating resources on a player who has already expressed an interest in moving to north London and is prepared to agree to personal terms.
Did you know? Savinho signed a new six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium following the initial interest from Spurs last year, a move that briefly cooled speculation before Tottenham re-activated their interest in recent months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tottenham signing Antonio Vergara from Napoli?
No. Fabrizio Romano has explicitly stated that Antonio Vergara is not a target for Tottenham and is instead in the process of signing a new contract with Napoli.
What is the status of the Savinho transfer?
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Tottenham are edging closer to finalizing a deal for Savinho for a fee in the region of £65 million. The player is reportedly ready to agree to personal terms.
Why did Manchester City move on from the Rodrygo deal?
City enquired about Rodrygo last year as a potential replacement for Savinho, but the deal did not proceed. City are now looking at other options, including PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye.
Are there other wingers linked to Tottenham?
Yes, Tottenham have been linked with players like Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao, but Liverpool has ruled out a sale for Gakpo, and Tottenham appears to be prioritizing the Savinho deal over the acquisition of Leao.
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