Savinho joins Tottenham from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £85m, with the Brazilian winger citing Roberto De Zerbi as a key reason

Brazilian winger Savinho has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £85m, with the 22-year-old saying on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, that a conversation with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi convinced him to make the move.

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Tottenham confirmed the transfer after weeks of negotiations, completing another major addition to De Zerbi’s squad as the north London club continue an ambitious summer rebuild.

The deal is understood to be worth £75m initially, with a further £10m potentially payable in add-ons. The transfer makes Savinho one of the most expensive arrivals of Tottenham’s summer window.

The Brazilian, who will now go by the name Sávio, said his decision was strongly influenced by his first conversation with De Zerbi.

“It’s taken a while but I’m very happy to be here. It’s a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world.”

He added:

“As soon as I spoke to De Zerbi I knew I had to come.”

The move brings an end to Savinho’s two-year spell at Manchester City, where he made 84 appearances and scored seven goals after arriving from City Football Group sister club Troyes.

Savinho initially attracted considerable attention during his loan spell at Girona before earning his move to Manchester City.

He made his City debut in the Community Shield in August 2024 and subsequently scored against Leicester City, Club Brugge and Juventus during his time at the club.

His opportunities at City, however, were limited compared with the expectations surrounding him. The winger’s desire for a more prominent role became increasingly apparent as Tottenham pursued him.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano had reported earlier that Tottenham and Manchester City had reached a verbal agreement, with the fee expected to exceed £75m. Romano also reported that Savinho was travelling to London for his medical before the deal was completed.

The completed transfer represents a significant investment by Tottenham in a player regarded as capable of providing pace, creativity and attacking threat from wide areas.

De Zerbi is understood to have played an important role in convincing Savinho that Tottenham was the right destination.

The Brazilian’s comments underline the personal appeal of working under the Italian coach as Spurs seek to establish a new identity under his management.

Tottenham’s spending has been substantial during the summer, with Savinho becoming another major signing in a squad overhaul designed to give De Zerbi the personnel required for his preferred style of football. The club’s expenditure has already passed £300m, according to reports.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are reshaping their own attacking options. The club has agreed a deal to sign Brazilian winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras, with the move expected to help fill the space created by Savinho’s departure.

Savinho leaves City having shown flashes of the ability that made him one of Brazil’s most exciting young attacking players, but Tottenham represents a fresh opportunity for the winger to establish himself as a central figure rather than a supporting option.

His arrival also comes at a significant moment for Spurs, who are looking to build a competitive squad around De Zerbi after a difficult previous campaign.

For Savinho, the challenge now is to translate his considerable potential into consistent Premier League performances.

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His message on completing the move is clear: the conversation with De Zerbi gave him the confidence that Tottenham was where he could take the next major step in his career.