Savinho to Spurs in doubt as key City figure blocking deal

Manchester City are closing the door for Savinho’s proposed move to Spurs, as multiple sources report that figures within the City hierarchy do not wish to lose the player. This comes following the initial reveal of Tottenham’s interest just over a week ago.

Manchester City have decided Savinho is to stay

That kills any possibility of Rodrygo joining City (Real Madrid did not get an offer for him as it was depending on Savinho leaving) pic.twitter.com/RAaLDSAJh4

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 18, 2025

Reports

Initially it was reported yesterday by Guillem Balagué, who is very close with manager Pep Guardiola, that the club as a collective had decided to keep Savinho. Following this, this morning Fabrizio Romano claimed that there was "someone very specific, very important” at Manchester City who was blocking the exit of the Brazilian winger. Savinho still wants the move, but is unwilling to damage his relationship with his current club in order to push for it. It is thought that the desire to keep the player is a response to the success of numerous young City players at other clubs, most notably Cole Palmer at Chelsea. City do not want to appear like a club that doesn’t prize young talent and potential.

.@FabrizioRomano: “As of today, there is someone specific, very important at #ManCity blocking the deal for Savinho to Tottenham. The player is keen on a move to but is not breaking his relationship with @ManCity… And there is someone in the management, the board of Manchester…

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 19, 2025

Conclusion

As things stand, Tottenham’s bid to sign Savinho is looking unlikely, especially with the club advancing in their attempts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. The North London club were already well short of City’s evaluation of the player with their initial bid of €50m, and with the expenditure of this other signing and City entirely unwilling to negotiate on a player that they simply do not want to sell, it is hard to see how Spurs could pull the deal off.