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Tottenham Hotspur wasted no time putting their newest and most expensive summer acquisition to work. Sávio, the 22-year-old Brazilian winger signed from Manchester City for a total package of £85 million, was named among the substitutes for Spurs’ Carabao Cup tie against Charlton Athletic on August 26, barely 24 hours after his transfer was officially completed.
From City’s bench to Spurs’ plans
Sávio’s journey to north London has been anything but straightforward. The Brazil international spent time on loan at Girona before Manchester City brought him into the fold permanently in 2024. But despite making over 50 appearances for the club, his Premier League starts were limited.
The initial transfer fee sits at £75 million, with an additional £10 million in performance-related add-ons that could push the total to £85 million. He’ll wear the No. 17 shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi clearly sees Sávio as more than a luxury purchase. The Italian coach has described his new signing as one of the best dribblers in one-on-one situations in the game today.
De Zerbi called Sávio a “big signing” and praised him as a top player in one-to-one situations, a skill set Tottenham have often lacked in tight matches.
The pursuit wasn’t a spontaneous decision either. Spurs had been tracking the winger since last summer, with De Zerbi himself reportedly playing a key role in convincing the club to push through the deal.
Spurs’ spending binge and what it signals
Tottenham crossing the £300 million mark in a single transfer window is a statement of intent. Sávio joins what appears to be a concerted effort to overhaul the squad’s attacking and midfield options, giving De Zerbi the tools to implement his possession-heavy, attack-minded football philosophy.
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