Savinho’s Impact on Manchester City Ahead of the New Season
For Pep Guardiola, the focus is on quality over quantity.
The idea that Manchester City can field two strong teams is a misconception, largely because many players are versatile enough to cover multiple positions. In reality, Guardiola prefers a smaller squad where he can provide consistent playing time for everyone, rather than a large group that could lead to dissatisfaction and disruption.
Among the players for the upcoming season is Savinho, a new signing from Troyes, part of the City Football Group. The Brazilian winger, formerly known as Savio, was acquired for £21 million. While this transfer might not trigger a spree of new signings, City believes Savinho can deliver the immediate impact they need.
Initially, there was no certainty that the 20-year-old would join the first team immediately. However, several factors aligned to make this possible. After an impressive showing for Brazil in the Copa America this summer, Savinho is ready to immerse himself in Guardiola’s system at the Etihad.
Sporting director Txiki Begiristain, with his extensive experience and connections within the City Football Group, particularly with Girona, has been instrumental in assessing Savinho’s potential. Comparisons with players like Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Julian Alvarez, and Jeremy Doku provide a benchmark, and Savinho comes in with more experience than those players did at his age.
Despite the pressure, especially if City makes few additional signings this window, Savinho must demonstrate why the club has invested in him to enhance a squad that has recently secured its fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Savinho has made an early statement by taking the No.26 shirt, previously worn by Riyad Mahrez, one of the Premier League’s standout wingers and a multi-club winner. “Mahrez is Mahrez, Savio is Savio, I don’t want to make people expect anything, just to show my football. But I like him a lot, how he plays,” Savinho remarked. “He’s an inspiration, that why I’ve chosen his number! I’m really happy.”
Savinho is embracing the challenge City has placed on him by integrating him into the first team right away. Both the club and the winger are confident that he will deliver significant contributions next season, reducing the need for further market activity.
