Savinho, also known as Savio, has joined Manchester City on a five-year contract.
The 20-year-old has been part of the club’s City Football Group since 2022 after joining Troyes from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. He did not make an appearance for the French side, however, instead playing on loan at PSV and, last season, Girona.
Our writers — experts in transfers, tactics, data and football finance — have come together to rate this summer’s senior Premier League transfers in five categories, with each aspect given a score out of 100, to reach a total score out of 500. Hence, The Athletic 500. The ratings are explained in more detail here (not all transfers will be rated as there may be a lack of data to support an analysis).
Below is our rating for this move.
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Tactical fit — 63/100
A look at how the player fits into his new club tactically, using Sentient Sports’ bespoke tactical-fit model, explained by our tactical expert.
City under Pep Guardiola is an environment where tactical intelligence and adaptability are paramount. Guardiola’s wingers are expected to hold width, isolate defenders in one-v-one situations, and exploit spaces created by the team’s rotations.
Savinho, with his impressive 5.4 progressive carries per 90 (90th percentile) and 3.2 successful take-ons per 90 (93rd percentile), suits these demands. His ability to attack space and beat defenders with electric pace makes him a fit for City’s wide positions, where he can either isolate full-backs, cut inside to shoot or create opportunities.
Here, in the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Mallorca in January, Savinho drives into central space and plays a through ball for Cristhian Stuani. Stuani makes a run on Antonio Raillo’s wrong side. This creates a goal-scoring chance for Stuani, but he misses.
Savinho’s integration into Guardiola’s system will require some adjustments. Unlike Jack Grealish, who often plays a retention role, Savinho will be more direct, maximising his 2.4 carries into the final area and his ability to draw fouls (two per 90). This is similar to Jeremy Doku’s 2.1 fouls won.
In this January league game against Sevilla, Savinho manipulates the ball to skip past Jesus Navas. He then beats Djibril Sow for pace, exploiting the space behind. Looking to pass to Lucas Ocampos, Savinho’s pass is intercepted.
His creative flair makes him an intriguing addition to City’s attack. He can invert and drive through central areas, creating space for runners and exploiting central zones, adding a layer of unpredictability. On the left flank, Savinho’s accurate crossing can provide service to a striker like Erling Haaland. However, to move to the next level, Savinho should increase his own shooting frequency.
He will face some challenges. Adjusting to the Premier League’s physicality and pace will be daunting and, with competition from established players like Grealish and Doku, Savinho’s path to regular minutes will be contested.
Savinho’s signing represents excitement and potential. Despite the steep transition to the Premier League, he will improve once he understands Guardiola’s plans for him. This will require time and patience.
Gillian Kasirye
Season rating: 80/100
Rating the player over the course of last season, using statistics from The Athletic’s data team.
Savinho announced himself to the world with an outstanding debut season in La Liga with Girona.
The tricky winger made 37 league appearances (35 starts) last season as the Catalan club finished third to secure Champions League qualification for the first time. Savinho was a key part of Michel’s attack, ending the season with nine goals and 10 assists, the third-highest assist tally in the league.
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Savinho only turned 20 in April but has already made 72 senior league appearances across spells with Atletico Mineiro in his native Brazil, PSV, their reserve side Jong PSV, and Girona.
For his excellent performances in a Girona shirt this season, he was awarded his first senior call-up to the national team in March and has won seven caps. He scored his first international goal in the 4-1 win over Paraguay in the Copa America group stages.
Elias Burke
Savinho scored his first Brazil goal against Paraguay (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Gaming rating: 77/100
Rating the player according to Football Manager 2024’s data across both current and potential ability.
Savinho has superstar potential, according to Football Manager.
Considering his age, Savinho’s current ability rating of 141 on FM24 is high. He’s ranked in a tier alongside some of Europe’s most promising young wide forwards, including Chelsea and England’s Cole Palmer (140). With plenty of competition in wide areas at Manchester City, he doesn’t rank favourably compared to the Premier League title winners’ more senior options, but he is a useful depth option as they compete on five fronts next season.
However, if he achieves his potential, he could become City’s best player… never mind their best winger. Sports Interactive’s extensive scouting network has assessed Savinho’s potential window between 150 and 180.
For context, if he does not surpass the floor of his potential ability, City fans can expect him to reach a similar level to Michael Olise (150). If he reaches his ceiling, Savinho could reach Mohamed Salah’s (180) productivity levels at the Etihad Stadium.
Elias Burke
Financial value rating: 75/100
A four-category summary of the player’s transfer in financial terms — and whether it makes sense for his new club.
Market value — 20/25
Given the fees being exchanged for young wingers across the Premier League this summer, a fee of around £33.7million ($43.7m) that brings in Savinho has definite appeal on the back of such a productive season in La Liga with Girona. Already a full Brazil international, he arrives with bags of potential.
Squad cost — 18/25
City always have money to spend and an investment like this will not leave them short. The recruitment needed for them to stay on top is not as big as others and selling off youngsters, a trusted method, could easily cover this cost.
Contract sensibility — 17/25
Another five-year deal, as is the industry standard for the glut of young wingers on the move early in the window. Everything points to him being among City’s lowest earners given his age and inexperience but there will be scope to change that if his development is sharp.
Resale value — 20/25
There will be plenty to prove in the Premier League and time will be on his side. That Savinho has already shown his ability in a top-four La Liga team, though, would indicate there will be others prepared to take him on if unable to make the grade with City.
Philip Buckingham
Risk or reward? 70/100
Is there a history of injury or other problems that could crop up and make this deal a bad one in retrospect? Or does the player come with a clean bill of health? Our expert takes a look.
This is the thing about multi-clubs. It reduces the risk that comes with a transfer. But where’s the fun in that? If you ask a Troyes supporter, they probably will not be best pleased about all this…
Savinho has been in the ‘system’ at City Football Group for two years. So City will know everything they need to know about Savinho from the shared resources of the mothership.
He signed as Troyes’ record signing but will depart without having played a game for the French club.
His progress has probably been quicker than anticipated, but he has been able to adapt to European football quickly and last year at Girona highlighted his potential.
On the injury front, he did have a troublesome hamstring issue at PSV in 2022-23, which kept him sidelined for two months.
Otherwise, the challenge will be how he adapts to the tempo of the Premier League, the heavy stylistic demands of Pep Guardiola, as well as competing for a place with Doku, Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. That will not be easy. But City clearly believe he has the ability to do so.
Peter Rutzler
Overall rating: 365/500
(Top photo: Getty Images; design by Eamonn Dalton)
