Key Points

• Transfer Target Under Scrutiny: Tottenham Hotspur are continuing negotiations to acquire Brazilian winger Savinho from Manchester City in a deal potentially exceeding £60 million to £65 million.
• Fan & Media Reservations: Supporters and media pundits on talkSPORT’s Inside Spurs podcast have questioned whether Savinho represents the right profile for Tottenham, suggesting he remains an unrefined talent.
• Alternative Options Highlighted: Commentator Sonny Snelling argued on air that Tottenham should redirect their focus toward other available attacking targets at Manchester City rather than finalizing a move for Savinho.
• Club Negotiations Ongoing: Reports from European transfer journalists including Fabrizio Romano indicate that while Savinho is open to joining North London, Manchester City will only grant final approval once a suitable replacement is secured.
• Managerial Context: Tottenham’s new managerial leadership, under Roberto De Zerbi, has identified wide attacking reinforcements as a major summer priority following previous interest under former managers.

Tottenham (North London News) July 24, 2026 — Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to reconsider their summer transfer strategy as negotiations for Manchester City winger Savinho intensify, with fan commentators asserting that alternative squad options at the Premier League champions present a more complete profile for the North London club.

Why are Tottenham Hotspur pursuing Savinho from Manchester City?

Tottenham Hotspur have maintained a long-standing interest in the 22-year-old Brazilian international, having previously attempted to secure his services during the 2025 summer transfer window before Pep Guardiola blocked the departure.

As reported by Noh Joo-hwan of Sports Chosun, European transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have been in active negotiations over a transfer fee valued at approximately £65 million.

Noh Joo-hwan wrote that new Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has identified Savinho as a primary target to reinforce the squad’s wide attacking areas ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Further reporting from OneFootball notes that while the Brazilian player is keen on a move to the capital, Manchester City executive Hugo Viana and the club’s hierarchy have stipulated that the transfer will only receive final approval once a replacement winger is brought into the Etihad Stadium.

What did the talkSPORT Inside Spurs panel say about the transfer target?

Despite the advanced nature of the club-to-club discussions, the prospective signing has drawn skepticism from football media figures and club supporters.

As broadcast on the latest episode of talkSPORT‘s Inside Spurs podcast, panel members expressed reservations regarding Savinho’s output and overall profile.

During the broadcast, Tottenham commentator and panelist Sonny Snelling stated that the Brazilian winger has yet to prove he can consistently perform at the highest level:

“For me, it leaves a bit to be desired. I don’t think he’s the finished article.”

Snelling argued on the program that Tottenham Hotspur ought to assess other available attacking assets within Manchester City’s primary squad rather than committing a club-record fee to a player who managed limited starter minutes in the previous campaign.

How do Savinho’s recent performance statistics compare?

Savinho initially moved to Manchester City from French side Troyes following an impressive loan period at Spanish club Girona during the 2023–24 season, where he registered 11 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

However, as reported by OneFootball, the player’s second season in England saw restricted first-team involvement. During the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, Savinho completed just seven league starts for Manchester City, yielding two Premier League goal contributions.

As noted by football analyst John Wenham in commentary provided to Tottenham News, while the player possesses notable dribbling ability and raw speed, the absence of rival bidding clubs in the marketplace raises legitimate questions regarding the proposed £60 million valuation.

Background of the particular development

The pursuit of Savinho reflects Tottenham Hotspur’s broader squad reconfiguration under their current sporting directors and new management. Over recent transfer windows, the club has frequently targeted youthful wide attackers to increase high-intensity pressing and direct transitional play.

In the summer of 2025, Tottenham attempted to strike an agreement with Manchester City for Savinho, but negotiations stalled after City opted to retain the winger and offer him revised contractual terms.

Over the subsequent 12 months, changes in tactical management at both clubs—alongside Manchester City’s managerial transition following Pep Guardiola’s departure—reopened the possibility of a transaction.

Concurrently, Tottenham’s decision to bypass several high-profile free agents during previous transfer windows has left the squad dependent on heavy capital expenditure to address key positional gaps on the wings.

Prediction: How this development can affect Tottenham Hotspur and its supporters

Should Tottenham Hotspur proceed with the acquisition of Savinho for a fee exceeding £60 million, the financial commitment will directly shape the club’s remaining budget for the transfer window, potentially restricting additions in central midfield or defense.

For the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase, the arrival of a high-value signing from a direct league rival will generate immediate demand for direct end-product.

If the Brazilian winger establishes himself quickly in Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical setup, he will provide the attacking directness and width the supporters have sought. Conversely, should he struggle for consistency—as highlighted by media commentators—the high transfer fee may heighten scrutiny from supporters and increase public pressure on the club’s recruitment hierarchy regarding its long-term transfer strategy.