Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have commenced talks over a deal for Savinho.
TBR Football revealed earlier on Monday that Tottenham have stepped up Savinho talks, having been initially offered the chance to sign him.
Last week, TBR Football first reported Tottenham’s interest in Savinho, with a deal for the Brazilian international starting to heat up.
To find out more about how the winger might fit in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, we have spoken to TBR Football’s resident Manchester City expert, Srinivas Sadhanand.
Savinho could fill Son Heung-min’s void at Tottenham
Savinho could end up playing as a left winger under Thomas Frank, despite his best moments in a Manchester City shirt coming from the right, Sadhanand claims.
When asked about his best position, Sadhanand told TBR Football: “At Girona, he actually played most of his football on the left wing.
“But in my opinion, he’s looked at his best on the right at City. He’s far more unpredictable as a right-winger in one versus one situations, whereas on the left, Savinho’s one-footedness means that, barring crossing the ball from the flank, he looks rather ineffective out there.”
Meanwhile, if the 21-year-old was to join and play on the right, this could allow Mohammed Kudus to switch into his favoured number ten role.
“At Spurs, though, he could benefit from playing alongside Udogie, who could hug the touchline and offer him support down the flank, so he’s not isolated on the left wing and can interchange positions with him. But in terms of his best role at Spurs, he could slot it on the right and allow Kudus to play in his favoured 10 role,” added the Man City journalist.
“It is worth saying that on the left, though, he has looked dangerous as a creator. Perhaps the reason is simply due to being able to fizz balls into the box with his favoured left foot. But all in all, Savinho’s at his best on the right and hugging the touchline.”
Dominic Solanke will love Tottenham signing Savinho
Dominic Solanke could be the great beneficiary of the arrival of Savinho at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Brazilian managing 13 assists last term.
The winger’s ability to cross could benefit Tottenham’s number 19, much like it has done for Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium.
Sadhanand claimed: “Savinho has plenty of brilliant attributes. The standout trait in his arsenal is creating chances. Savinho provided 13 assists in total last season, and at Girona, he got 10 assists. Solanke, much like Haaland, could benefit from playing with the Brazilian, as his crossing, through balls and knack of finding runners are all very promising traits.
“Also, Savinho is a massive threat in one versus one situations and can beat his man for fun. But what Thomas Frank may particularly like is Savinho’s pace over long distances. Savinho lacks the acceleration of someone like Son in his pomp, but over long distances, he becomes quicker and quicker when carrying the ball and almost seems to be a one-man transition at times.”
Savinho’s sale might just frustrate Man City fans
Savinho, whom Kevin De Bruyne called ‘exceptional’, would likely be an unpopular sale among City supporters.
Sadhanand told TBR Football that he would value the former Girona star at £70m, although we understand that a £50m deal is being discussed.
“I wouldn’t be a fan of a potential sale whatsoever. Savinho was very promising last season. If you sign a young winger and expect them to become a superstar in their debut season, it’s perhaps best to steer clear of targeting young players in the first place,” says TBR Football’s Man City expert.
“But the only rationale I’d be willing to accept is if City have lined someone up like Barcola in his place, because I would understand if City feel they lack productive forwards bar Haaland and Marmoush in their squad.
“But if City sold Savinho, it wouldn’t be a great look as ageing and declining players like Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan look set to stay next season. As far as the fee is concerned, £70 million would be fair for me. Savinho was one of La Liga’s best players at Girona, impressed for City, turned 21 in the New Year and is a Brazil international.”
Savinho’s ‘very high ceiling’ should excite Tottenham’s supporters
This would be a real coup for Tottenham should they manage to pull off a deal for Savinho, given his ‘very high ceiling’.
Discussing the player’s potential, Sadhanand added: “Savinho has a very high ceiling. It’s tough to pinpoint the kind of player he can become, but he has far too many attributes going in his favour not to have a career to be proud of in the years to come.
“Savinho’s chance creation, technical quality, athleticism, dribbling and ability to form connections with players on the pitch, such as Haaland or even Reijnders in City’s win against Palermo, are all green flags that could make him a top player.
“I’m a massive fan of the player and considering how dysfunctional City were for much of last season, he was extremely impressive in a side that looked toothless going forward.”
Speaking about where he could improve, his decision-making has been highlighted as a current weakness of his.
But working under a coach like Frank, who has an excellent track record for improving attackers, could be perfect for his development.
“Two areas where he can improve are his finishing and his decision-making. Savinho’s finishing is very poor for now; he tends to go for power a lot of the time instead of placement.
“In terms of his decision-making as well, Savinho can tend to go for goal when a pass is on far too often, as he seems desperate to score goals. However, he is a young player and over time, he could fine-tune these aspects of his game and become a seriously good winger.”
“Spurs would be signing an excellent prospect, but patience is a virtue and that should be afforded to him by the fans if he makes the move. There’s nothing to suggest so far that he can’t become one of the best wingers in the world one day.”