Exclusive: Savinho makes his feelings plainly clear after they block his move to Tottenham
The final days of the transfer window are always a whirlwind of hope, frustration, and last-minute negotiations.
For Tottenham Hotspur, the search for a new attacking player has taken another dramatic turn, with their pursuit of one primary target hitting a significant roadblock.
The player in question is Manchester City’s exciting Brazilian winger, Savinho, and despite positive talks and a strong desire from the player himself, a move to North London now appears to be off the table.
According to reliable sources, Tottenham had held fresh discussions with Manchester City over the weekend and were feeling quietly confident about securing Savinho’s signature.
The 20-year-old, who impressed during a loan spell at Girona last season, was reportedly very keen on the idea of joining Thomas Frank’s project at Spurs. He saw it as a fantastic opportunity for regular playing time and a key role in an ambitious team.
However, any optimism from Tottenham’s side has been firmly extinguished by the reigning Premier League champions.
Manchester City, and specifically manager Pep Guardiola, have made it clear that Savinho is not for sale. The club has reiterated its stance to both Tottenham and the player’s representatives: Savinho will be staying at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
From City’s perspective, the decision is straightforward. They are under no financial pressure to cash in, they rate the player highly, and with no ready-made replacement available in the market, they consider the matter closed.
For Guardiola, Savinho represents a valuable and versatile attacking option for the long season ahead.
This decision has, understandably, left Savinho disappointed. Sources indicate that the young Brazilian has made his unhappiness known to the club.
He was genuinely excited about the prospect of moving to Tottenham and is reportedly still holding out a small hope that the situation could change before the transfer window slams shut on Monday. For now, though, the door seems firmly shut.
In response, Tottenham’s recruitment team is already shifting its focus. They have communicated to Savinho that while they will remain attentive to any sudden change in City’s position, they must now press forward and assess other options. Time is of the essence, and the club cannot afford to wait on a deal that may never happen.
One alternative who has naturally emerged in conversations is PSG’s Xavi Simons, a player Tottenham have admired for some time. The Dutch midfielder’s future, however, is also entangled in a complex transfer saga.
For weeks, it has seemed almost certain that Simons would be joining Chelsea. Personal terms are agreed, and the player has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
But behind the scenes, there is a growing concern within Simons’ camp that this deal could unexpectedly collapse.
This anxiety has led his representatives to quietly begin due diligence on other potential destinations—and Tottenham is one of the clubs on that list. If the Chelsea move were to fall apart, Spurs would be ready to react quickly.
The following table offers a statistical comparison between the two primary targets, Savinho and Xavi Simons, based on their performances from the 2024/25 season, illustrating the profile of player Tottenham is seeking:
| Statistic | Savinho | Xavi Simons |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 48 | 33 |
| Goals | 3 | 11 |
| Assists | 13 | 8 |
| Key Passes (per 90) | 1.9 | 2.5 |
| Dribbles (per 90) | 2.1 | 3.4 |
As the table shows, both players offer different qualities. Simons presents a more direct goal threat, while Savinho’s creative output and assist numbers are particularly impressive. Either would add a significant new dimension to Tottenham’s attack.
The coming days will be crucial. Tottenham’s hierarchy is working against the clock to secure a top-class addition to their forward line.
While the preferred option has been blocked, the unpredictable nature of the transfer window means anything can happen. One thing is certain: Tottenham will have a backup plan, and they won’t be afraid to activate it.