Exclusive: Savinho makes feelings clear to Manchester City after Tottenham move is blocked

 

Manchester City have made their stance crystal clear to both Tottenham Hotspur and Savinho – the Brazilian winger will not be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, despite persistent efforts from Spurs to prise him away.

According to TBR Football, Tottenham reopened discussions with City over the weekend in a bid to secure Savinho’s signature and initially believed there was quiet optimism that a deal could be struck before the transfer deadline. However, Pep Guardiola has personally intervened in the situation, underlining his desire to keep the 20-year-old as part of City’s plans for the 2025/26 season. With no immediate replacement lined up and no financial pressure on the club to sell, City’s hierarchy have effectively closed the door on any possible exit.

Savinho frustrated by Man City stance

While the decision has been welcomed by Guardiola, Savinho himself has been left disappointed by the club’s refusal to sanction the move. Sources close to the player have confirmed to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Savinho made his unhappiness clear to the Manchester club. The young Brazilian, who has been on Tottenham’s radar for much of the summer, was said to be highly enthusiastic about working under Thomas Frank and believed a switch to North London could have offered him more consistent first-team opportunities.

Despite City’s firm stance, Savinho has not given up hope entirely. With the transfer window set to close on Monday, the winger is still clinging to the possibility that something could change in the final hours. Tottenham, meanwhile, are monitoring developments closely. While they have not completely abandoned their pursuit, they are also exploring alternative options in case the door on Savinho remains firmly shut.

Tottenham exploring other avenues

Speaking on the situation, Graeme Bailey noted:
“City’s position has always been unwavering with Savinho. They value him highly and had no interest in letting him leave, even though they had shown curiosity in signing Rodrygo earlier in the window. I am told that Savinho was genuinely excited about the idea of a move to Spurs and still hopes something can materialise. But Tottenham are realistic too – while they remain attentive, they have also shifted focus towards other targets as time runs out.”

With fewer than three days left in the window, Tottenham’s recruitment team face mounting pressure to strengthen the wide areas. The need for an additional left winger has been on the agenda for weeks, and the inability to land Savinho could force the club to pivot quickly.

Xavi Simons enters the conversation

One name that has re-emerged as a possible option is Dutch star Xavi Simons. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has long been admired by Tottenham, but his camp has consistently maintained that his future lies with Chelsea, with whom he has already agreed personal terms.

Yet, behind the scenes, there is growing uncertainty. Concerns have surfaced within Simons’ camp that Chelsea could reconsider and potentially abandon the move altogether, leaving the door ajar for other suitors. Tottenham have been quietly alerted to the situation and would be prepared to move swiftly should the opportunity present itself.

For now, Chelsea remain favourites to secure Simons’ signature, but Spurs are keeping their lines open. If their pursuit of Savinho officially collapses, they could pivot decisively towards the PSG playmaker.

Clock ticking for Spurs

The North London side are now under severe time pressure, with the transfer deadline just around the corner. While their first choice remains Savinho, City’s resistance has complicated matters significantly. Unless a dramatic late twist occurs, Tottenham may need to finalise a deal for an alternative winger before the window slams shut.

As things stand, the situation remains fluid: Savinho is unhappy, Tottenham are watchful, and Manchester City are unmoved. The final days of the transfer market could yet bring surprises – but the clock is ticking fast.