Manchester City manager has confirmed Tottenham target Savinho won't play in their opening Premier League game due to an apparent injury.
Spurs' interest in the 21-year-old winger emerged over the past week, with the club finally starting to act, having been thrust into a state of inertia after Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest.
James Maddison's long-term knee injury means the need to sign a No. 10 before the window slams shut is distinct, and we're hoping to strike a deal with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze. In addition, the departure of Son Heung-min leaves us a man light in wide areas, and Thomas Frank has reportedly earmarked City's Savinho as the ideal option.
The Cityzens have so far resisted our proposal(s), but Savinho is said to be keen on a move, and Guardiola previously hasn't stood in the way of those who want out.
"Injured" Tottenham target Savinho not playing in Man City's opening game
The City boss spoke about Savinho on Friday ahead of their first Premier League game of the season away at Wolves. He echoed what's been reported in the media regarding the club's hesitance to sell, but admitted that a departure is possible.
According to Man City, Pep said: "Savinho is injured from Palermo. Few weeks he will be out.”
“The only thing I'm concerned about today is that Savinho will be with us all season, and hopefully for many, many years," he told reporters (via Fabrizio Romano).
“He’s extraordinary! But at the end, as always, the desire of the player prevails above everything, and after there has to be an agreement with the club. If you don't take an agreement, the player will be here."
Pep Guardiola confirms that Ederson and Savinho will not be in Man City's squad to play Wolves this weekend 🛒 pic.twitter.com/p3zXtG1xdR
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 15, 2025
Spurs are working hard to strike a deal, with the player's representatives flying to the UK to secure Savinho the move he wants. The 21-year-old, after a fine debut season at the Etihad, craves regular first-team football in a World Cup year.
A clear indication that the winger may well be on the move came when Guardiola said Savinho was injured and thus not available for City's trip to Molineux on Saturday evening. The Brazilian supposedly picked up a knock against Palermo in their sole pre-season friendly of the summer and will be out for a "few weeks". Sure, Pep. Sure.
Curiously, another player heavily linked with a move away, Ederson, also isn't available this weekend.
Seemingly, all that's standing between more transfer heartbreak and a potential superstar donning all black on Champions League nights is a few million euros.