Tottenham Hotspur have been working hard on a deal to sign Manchester City forward Savinho, but face a key hurdle to land him.
Last week, TBR Football revealed that Pep Guardiola was blocking Savinho from leaving, which has thrown the transfer into some doubt.
Following fresh talks after their 2-0 win over the former Premier League champions, Tottenham are optimistic of signing Savinho.
To assess whether Guardiola’s team could be tempted to accept a big offer for the winger for a big price, TBR Football’s football finance expert, Adam Williams, has been discussing City’s financial situation.
Exclusive: Man City under no pressure to sell Savinho to Tottenham
Williams has revealed that Manchester City are not in a position where they are under any pressure to sell Savinho.
The 21-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Spurs, and that City would likely need to secure a replacement to let him leave.
But ultimately, the Citizens would not be selling the Brazilian international due to their financial position, which is a blow for Spurs’ hopes of landing him.
Williams told TBR Football: “From a financial perspective, City are under no pressure whatsoever to sell Savinho. They have spent a lot of money over the last two windows, yes, but they have also generated nearly £160m of profit in the last two financial years. That’s because they have sold very well.
“They had the highest player sale profit in the Premier League in 2023-24. They will be up there again when the accounts for 2024-25 are released.
“Historically, they have relied on funding from the owners, but that’s not really the case anymore – not on the football side of the business, at least. So whether or not they sell Savinho will come down to their valuation of the player relative to his importance in the squad. If they don’t have a replacement lined up, then that value increases.”
Tottenham would need to make a ‘massively outsized offer’ for Savinho
To now tempt them into selling Savinho without a replacement lined up, Tottenham Hotspur would likely need to make a ‘massively outsized offer’.
Tottenham are willing to offer over £60m for Savinho, but reports have suggested that City value him closer to £70m.
“Equally, if they got a massively outsized offer, they would probably accept. That’s what has made them great player traders, after all. They have been fantastic opportunists. They obviously have the high card in any negotiations with Tottenham, which doesn’t really suit Daniel Levy’s style either,” added Williams.
“Savinho is only 21 and still has four years left on his deal too, so he’s probably going to retain his value to City as an asset if he stays at the club. He could well end up at Spurs, but it will be on City’s terms if so.”