Fee dispute leaves deal in limbo
Tottenham's pursuit of Savinho has hit a wall. Negotiations between the two clubs have stalled over a disagreement on the transfer fee, with Manchester City's £65 million valuation proving too rich for Spurs' blood. The Brazilian winger, now back at the City Football Academy for pre-season, finds himself in an unusual holding pattern — wanted by Spurs, valued highly by his current club, and not going anywhere fast.
It is a curious turn of events for a deal that had seemed so promising.
Earlier this summer, reports from Brazil painted an encouraging picture. Official contacts had been made between the clubs. Savinho's preference for north London was established. Personal terms were agreed ahead of a first formal offer. Everything pointed toward a transfer being completed. Then the fee discussion began, and the momentum evaporated.
Spurs remain interested. They continue to monitor Savinho's situation. But rather than push for a resolution, they are waiting to see whether the conditions become more favourable before making another approach. That patient stance reflects confidence in the player's willingness to move, but it also suggests Spurs will not be bullied into meeting City's asking price.
"The gap between the two clubs' assessments of the winger's value has proved difficult to bridge even after weeks of dialogue."
The 22-year-old's return to the CFA on Monday alongside the rest of Enzo Maresca's available squad is a practical reminder that he remains a City player until any transfer is formally concluded. For a player who has shown a desire for regular football — and who endured a difficult 2025-26 season hampered by a pre-season injury and limited involvement under Pep Guardiola — this standoff is far from ideal.
Maresca's first test of squad management
Savinho's debut campaign at City was impressive: 10 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances. His second season was harder. Now, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones having departed this summer, there is space in the squad — but also heightened competition. The pause in negotiations gives director of football Hugo Viana a degree of leverage he may not have expected to retain at this stage of the window. Savinho's presence in training at least ensures Maresca can assess the winger's place in his plans before any final decision is reached.
For the new manager, this requires careful handling. A player who agreed personal terms with another club is now preparing for the season under a new boss, his future unresolved. How Maresca manages both the individual situation and the broader squad dynamics around the winger position — which City are still looking to strengthen through other targets — will be an early test of his man-management.
The transfer window is far from closed. But for now, Savinho is a City player training for the 2026-27 campaign. Spurs are waiting. And the fee remains the obstacle that nobody has yet found a way around.