Tottenham Smash Transfer Record for Savinho as De Zerbi Targets Another Man City Star

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Savinho from Manchester City for up to £85 million, giving Roberto De Zerbi another major attacking addition as his ambitious squad rebuild gathers pace.

[Sky Sports +1]

The agreement represents a major investment in the 22-year-old Brazil international and would make Savinho Manchester City's most expensive outgoing transfer, surpassing the £81.5m deal that took Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid in 2024.

[The Times]

However, the transfer is not completely finished yet. Savinho is expected to undergo his medical before completing the move.

And Tottenham may not be finished raiding the Etihad.

Savinho deal reaches £85m

The agreement is worth an initial £75m, with another £10m available through achievable add-ons, according to Sky Sports and Reuters.

[Sky Sports +1]

It is a remarkable valuation for a player who has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Manchester City.

Savinho made 24 Premier League appearances last season but started only seven of those matches.

[Sky Sports]

Tottenham, however, have remained convinced that the winger can become a major player under De Zerbi.

The Brazilian's pace, one-on-one ability and versatility make him an obvious fit for a Tottenham side undergoing a significant attacking transformation.

Why Tottenham refused to give up

This is not a sudden interest from Spurs.

Tottenham attempted to sign Savinho previously and have maintained their admiration for him despite failing to complete the move.

The difference this time is that City have been prepared to sanction his departure for the right price.

Savinho's lack of regular football has also become an important factor, with the move offering him an opportunity to take on a much more prominent role.

For Tottenham, meanwhile, the transfer represents another statement of intent.

De Zerbi's spending spree continues

Savinho is arriving during one of the most aggressive transfer windows in Tottenham's recent history.

Spurs have already spent more than £200m on six first-team players, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes among their major additions.

The Savinho deal will push that spending considerably higher.

And De Zerbi appears determined to keep strengthening.

The Italian manager is overseeing a major rebuild after Tottenham's struggles last season, with the club now targeting players capable of changing the team's attacking output.

Savinho could become one of the centrepieces of that project.

Tottenham are also chasing Marmoush

The most intriguing part of the story is what could happen next.

Tottenham are also negotiating with Manchester City for Omar Marmoush, meaning Spurs could potentially sign two of City's attacking players in the same transfer window.

[The Guardian +1]

Reports indicate that talks over Marmoush remain ongoing, with the Egyptian forward another player Tottenham have identified as they look for additional firepower.

Sky Sports previously reported that Spurs wanted to strengthen their attack with Savinho, Cody Gakpo and a new centre-forward, with Marmoush among their options.

[Sky Sports]

A double raid would therefore fit perfectly into De Zerbi's wider plans.

City's biggest sale yet

Manchester City are also set to benefit enormously from the deal.

Savinho originally joined the City Football Group from Troyes in 2022 before eventually moving to Manchester City. The anticipated £85m package would represent a huge return on that investment.

[The Guardian +1]

It also reflects how highly Tottenham rate the winger despite his inconsistent involvement at City.

For Pep Guardiola's former club, the sale provides significant funds for their own squad reconstruction.

City are already looking at midfield reinforcements, meaning Savinho's departure could help finance their next moves.

Savinho gets the fresh start he wanted

For Savinho, the move offers something perhaps even more important than the transfer fee: regular football.

The winger has shown flashes of his ability at City but has struggled to command a consistent starting place.

Tottenham can offer him a bigger role.

Under De Zerbi, Savinho could become one of the principal attacking outlets rather than another option competing for limited minutes.

That could be crucial for his development and his hopes of establishing himself again at international level.

The Etihad raid may not be over

Savinho's imminent arrival could ultimately be just the beginning.

Tottenham now have an agreement for one Manchester City forward and remain in discussions over another.

If Spurs manage to complete a deal for Marmoush as well, De Zerbi's attacking rebuild would take another enormous step forward.

For now, though, the focus is on Savinho.

Tottenham have their £85m agreement. The medical is next — and De Zerbi is already looking towards another City star.