Manchester City have all but agreed a deal for one of the hottest young attackers in world football. That player is Savio, the 19-year-old winger on loan at Girona who has been a crucial figure in the club's unexpected title charge.
This is according to transfer market guru Fabrizio Romano, reporting that a deal is all but done and that formalities will be completed by the end of February ahead of a summer move to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City will complete Savio deal by the end of February as documents are already being prepared between all parties.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2024
Savinho will be part of City first team from July and he will start the pre-season under Pep Guardiola.
Exclusive story, to be confirmed soon. pic.twitter.com/uMU98Gq6qi
The teenager has 14 goal contributions for his La Liga side this campaign with Girona sitting only two points behind current Spanish top-flight leaders Real Madrid in the title race. Stats are only one aspect of the game and those who have followed the Catalan side closely speak highly of the Brazilian's performances this season.
Additionally, Savio is versatile enough to play on both flanks, which will be an additional boost for the Premier League giants as they are short on wingers following the recent departures of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and — most recently — Riyad Mahrez. However, this move has garnered tremendous criticism towards Guardiola's side and the actions of the Abu Dhabi-owned club.
Manchester City's owners have built a multi-club model called City Football Group which owns Manchester City, the jewel in the crown, Girona, the club Savio is currently on loan at, and Troyes, the Brazilian's parent club. As a result, many accuse Manchester City's owners of using the lesser clubs in the City Football Group as feeders for the Cityzens.
For example, Savio is Troyes' record signing yet he has not played a single game for them, being loaned straight to Girona. He is now set to leave Girona for Guardiola's side this summer while Troyes are in the midst of a Ligue 2 relegation battle.
Savio is technically a Troyes player, their record signing no less, but the club were just used administratively to get the player to two other CFG clubs. https://t.co/DiTFq89gDW pic.twitter.com/0cnWUVi0KS
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) February 5, 2024
City Football Group's Manchester City sign Sávio, who is currently on loan at City Football Group's Girona, from City Football Group's ESTAC Troyes. Got it?
— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) February 5, 2024
A classic bit of multi-club nimble footwork this.
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) February 5, 2024
Savio was signed by City Football Group's Troyes - their record signing, in fact - but has never played for them, loaned immediately to City Football Group's Girona, & is now being sold to City Football Group's Manchester City. https://t.co/qI6xArVgzN
"Despite bids from German and English clubs, Sávio will join #MCFC."
— Alexander (@AMonFootball) February 5, 2024
Bet that was a hard bidding process... https://t.co/o1kKeITr9e
Spare a thought for fans of Troyes - Savio's parent club (not Girona). Your club's record signing never plays for you, instead stars elsewhere in the 'ownership group'. Meanwhile, your club is in danger of successive relegations. Fans are powerless, their club is now just a pawn. https://t.co/yikkK67fmW
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) February 5, 2024
Regardless, Savio remains focused on Girona as they continue to battle with Real Madrid for the Liga title. Manchester City, on the other hand, beat Brentford 3-1 on Monday to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool and could mount another treble push.
