Winger's suitcase post speaks volumes
Manchester City winger Savinho has taken to Instagram with a cryptic post that appears to signal his impending departure from the Etihad. The Brazilian shared a story on Thursday featuring a white suitcase in an empty gym, accompanied by a Portuguese caption that roughly translates as: "See you in a bit, I'm off to have some fun, I'll be back soon," along with a starry-eyed emoji.
It could simply be a message about holiday plans, but with City and Tottenham understood to be closing in on a £65 million deal for the 21-year-old, the timing raises eyebrows.
According to the Daily Mail, the sale to Spurs is nearing its conclusion, following interest that was widely reported during the January window but ultimately went nowhere.
Replacement lined up
Savinho's expected exit leaves a gap out wide, and City's recruitment team are already working on a replacement. The same report indicates the club are actively canvassing the market for wingers as the deal edges closer.
One name in the frame is Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old winger who impressed for Senegal at the World Cup. The teenager is said to be ready to leave the Ligue 1 champions this summer, with Spurs also named among potential suitors regardless of whether they get the Savinho deal over the line.
Mbaye is now represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, and City face competition from Aston Villa and RB Leipzig, who are all said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Beyond Mbaye, City have alternatives. The club previously made enquiries for Real Madrid's Rodrygo last year.
Regardless of who comes in, Savinho's time at the Etihad looks to be drawing to a close. He made 84 appearances and scored seven goals across two seasons for City.