Manchester City have completed their first signing of the summer by officially confirming the arrival of Savio.
It’s been a quiet start to the summer transfer window for Manchester City. There have been few concrete rumours to even get excited about, let alone signings, and only four youth departures from the club so far.
Yet, things have finally burst to life after City confirmed the signing of Brazilian winger Savio from Troyes on a five-year deal.
The exciting prospect has been within the City Football Group since 2022 after joining the Blues’ sister French club but made his name on loan at Girona last season.
In his first full campaign in senior football, Savio tore up La Liga with 11 goals and 10 assists helping fire the unfancied Girona to a Champions League place.
With other clubs beginning to show an interest, City moved to secure the 20-year-old by agreeing a deal back in February.
Following the completion of Copa America, the deal has now been confirmed.
Savio earned rave reviews from many in Spain last season and here’s what City can expect from their newest addition.
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Praise for Savio after he completes Manchester City transfer
Girona manager Michel – who’s been touted as a potential Pep Guardiola replacement – couldn’t stop praising Savio last season.
In fact, he went as far as to say he is the ‘best’ player he has ever coached.
Michel said, according to Fabrizio Romano: “When I saw Savio on first training session I said: ‘We’re gonna play in Europe next season’.
He’s special. He’s the best player I’ve ever had.”
Speaking to Cadena SER, via Football Espana, in September, Michel even compared Savio to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
He said: “I know they are big words, but since the emergence of Vinicius I don’t think I have seen a one-on-one talent as destabilising as him.”
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What Man City can expect from Savio
Barcelona were one of the clubs heavily linked with Savio and their sporting director Deco went on the record with his praise for him.
Deco’s appraisal can give City a good understanding of what to expect from the new arrival.
Spanish football likes this type of player with dribbling ability,” Deco told the Esporte Espetacular TV show, as quoted by Sport, in December 2023.
“In Spain, people love having the opportunity to watch beautiful football, with players of technical quality, and Savio fits into this historical profile that Spanish football has always had.
“He is at the beginning of his career and is attracting attention, he is a young player who has a lot of future. If he continues in this line of growth he will be very successful in Spain.”
Savio is a pacey and skilful left-footed winger who prominently plays on the left but is versatile enough to move across the attack. It sounds like he will fit into Guardiola’s side perfectly.
