£25m player wanted to join Barcelona, but he’s coming to Man City instead
Incoming Manchester City signing Savio actually wanted to join Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.
January came and went without much incident for City. Another promising Argentine in the shape of Claudio Echeverri was signed but he has remained at River Plate for the time being.
The only move of immediate significance was Kalvin Phillips’ loan switch to West Ham United for the remainder of the campaign. But, in contrast, the upcoming summer window is already starting to be discussed.
It has been heavily reported this week that City have agreed a deal to sign promising teenage winger Savio from sister club Troyes.
The Brazilian is spending the season on loan at another City Football Group side in Girona and has spear-headed the Catalonians to an unlikely title challenge against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Manchester City agree deal to sign Sávio from parent club Girona in the summer. Documents to be signed in the next days. Despite bids from German and English clubs, Sávio will join #MCFC.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
“He’s now 100% focused on Girona to end the season in the best way.”
Savio is just 19 but already has seven goals and seven assists to his name this season and City have moved to bring him further into the fold in a reported £25m transfer to stave off any potential interested parties.
Savio in action for Girona
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Other clubs interested in Savio
Spanish outlet Sport reports that interest from other clubs is what spurred City into action to secure Savio’s future within the group.
It’s claimed that Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen were willing to pay 30 million euros while Barcelona were also plotting a move, with sporting director Deco even publicly praising the youngster’s impact at Girona.
It’s added that Savio’s ‘first option’ was to play for Barcelona next season but that has been taken off the table with City’s swift action.
City’s quick thinking
It looks like yet another transfer masterstroke from director of football Txiki Begiristain, who has moved to secure City’s hold on one of the game’s hottest emerging talents.
City have hardly put a single foot wrong in the transfer window for the last decade and their proactiveness in recruiting exciting prospects has served them incredibly well.
The biggest example of that is Julian Alvarez. The forward was signed from River Plate and many expected him to go back out on loan when he first arrived in Manchester.
But Pep Guardiola made it certain Alvarez would be staying and in his debut season in Europe he was crucial in helping City win the treble while also claiming the World Cup for his country in between.
It’s reported that Savio, in contrast, will be returning to Girona on loan but, if he has even half the impact Alvarez had when he finally does play at the Etihad then it will be a fantastic signing.
Leave a Reply