Manchester City transfer had reportedly chalked up a contingency plan for Savinho's exit if the winger had left for Tottenham. Manager Thomas Frank had identified the 21-year-old as a priority signing, and Spurs tabled a bold £43 million ($58m) bid in the hope of luring him to north London. But City weren’t biting. From the very start of talks, the message was clear: Savinho was not for sale.
- Spurs' bid of £43m for Savinho was rejected
- City shortlisted Barcola as a backup plan
- Winger expected back for Manchester derby
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Behind the scenes, however, City weren’t entirely unprepared for the possibility of losing Savinho. According to, Etihad chiefs had identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as their contingency plan. At just 22, the French international fits the mould of Guardiola’s preferred wide men: fast, versatile, and fearless in possession.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
PSG were reluctant to let him leave, amid other links with Liverpool – particularly after his breakthrough season in Paris. But had City advanced their interest with a formal offer, the situation could have shifted dramatically. In the end, the move never materialised, with Savinho staying put and Barcola remaining in Ligue 1.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Savinho only officially became a City player last summer after being acquired from Girona, part of the City Football Group network. Despite being one of the newer faces at the Etihad, he quickly proved his worth, making 48 appearances across all competitions. While his return of three goals may not have set the world alight, Guardiola valued his ability to stretch defences and offer much-needed depth in attack. The Brazilian still has three years left on his current contract, giving City little urgency to consider offers.
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WHAT NEXT FOR SAVINHO?
Savinho has yet to feature this season due to a pre-season injury, but he is expected to be back in contention when Manchester United visit the Etihad in the derby on Sunday. Guardiola will welcome the injection of energy on the flanks, particularly with other injuries mounting across the squad.
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