Manchester City – Brujas: Savinho’s goal
Big market opportunities don’t always arise when a footballer is at his peak. Sometimes they emerge under the opposite circumstances: when a talented, young, and promising player struggles to deliver, loses his starting role, and sees his transfer value drop. That’s when the sharpest clubs can spot a window of opportunity.
And Savinho’s situation is starting to fit that mold—shifting from a key piece for Pep Guardiola to an increasingly secondary option. The Brazilian winger has been officially fit since February 21, yet has only played 264 minutes since then. That raw number says little, so let’s add some context. Since that date—when City beat Newcastle 2-1 in Premier League matchday 27—Pep’s side has played 15 games. That means Savinho has featured in just 264 of the last 1,350 possible minutes, a mere 19.55%.
Savinho at the Santiago Bernabéu / EFE
Of those 15 matches, he was included in the squad for 14 and appeared in 10. He started only twice: against Newcastle in the FA Cup and in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 vs. Real Madrid. In terms of playing time, he only exceeded the hour mark once—the FA Cup clash against Newcastle, where he played 79 minutes. The feeling is that other wingers in the squad—like Jérémy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, or versatile options such as Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden—have clearly overtaken him.
In the last game, a crucial Premier League match against Brentford, he only played one minute. With the title race still wide open and the FA Cup within reach, he’s unlikely to get many quality minutes for the rest of the season.
Tottenham wanted to sign him last summer. This season, he has been unable to find consistency under Guardiola, and who knows if he could leave the club this summer. Last year, Tottenham knocked on City’s door with a €70 million offer, but the Catalan coach turned it down because he counted on Savinho.
Savinho during a match against Crystal Palace / TOLGA AKMEN / EFE
Savinho had been a starter in 36 games last season, making him the seventh most-used outfield player. He surpassed direct attacking competitors like Phil Foden (2,994 minutes) or Jérémy Doku (2,232), and was expected to take another step forward this term. Guardiola liked his ability to create danger, his close control in tight spaces, and his dribbling. Versatile and young, the manager knew he had a diamond to polish. But competition at City is fierce, and at 22, Savinho has lost significant ground in a tough season also marked by injuries.
If last season he started in 36 matches (appearing in 48), this season he has only played 33, starting 12. He has the same number of goals (3) as last season, but far fewer assists—dropping from 13 to 3. The real decline, however, is in minutes played: just 1,288 this season. Even Antoine Semenyo, who arrived in winter, has surpassed him in that regard (1,731).
World Cup chances?
That could hurt his prospects for the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti will have to pick his Brazil squad, and the attacking positions are among the most competitive for the Canarinha. The Italian coach has numerous options up front, with wingers of the caliber of Raphinha and Vinicius Junior.
Savinho at the Copa América with Brazil / EFE
Back to City, Guardiola has been one of Savinho’s biggest supporters in the squad. But despite having a long-term contract, who knows if the club might open the door for a departure this summer.